ICAN announces the appointment of Linda Lopez as the newest member of our executive team, taking on the pivotal role of Chief Operations Officer. With a dynamic career spanning over four decades in the nonprofit sector, Lopez brings a wealth of experience, innovative leadership, and a profound dedication to the organizational mission of keeping families together. Her role will be crucial in steering ICAN toward a future characterized by groundbreaking innovation, enhanced collaboration, and deeper community engagement.

As Chief Operations Officer, Lopez will oversee a broad portfolio, directing multiple agency departments such as human resources, facilities, and maintenance. She will play a vital role in guiding key projects and initiatives, including Elevate CNY – our sports and recreation center, to promote wellness among families.

Before joining ICAN, she used her expertise in administration, program development, and strategic planning working in both the nonprofit and government sectors. She held executive leadership roles at the Rescue Mission Alliance, OnCare (Onondaga County System of Care), the Onondaga County Department of Children & Family Services, and most recently, as Executive Director of The Salvation Army in Syracuse. Her exceptional ability to motivate and manage large teams, navigate complex budgets, create solutions to community-level issues, and implement strategic initiatives was instrumental in expanding organizational growth and impact.

Lopez earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies/Human Resources from SUNY Empire State College, and attended graduate school at the Maxwell School of Public Administration at Syracuse University.

Steven Bulger, CEO/Executive Director of ICAN, expressed his enthusiasm about Linda joining the team: “Linda’s wealth of experience, coupled with her innovative leadership style and profound dedication to our mission, makes her an ideal fit for this role. Her vision for the future aligns perfectly with our goals of expanding our services and deepening our impact in our region and beyond. We are excited to welcome her to ICAN and anticipate reaching new heights under her guidance.”

Upon her appointment, Linda shared her excitement about joining the ICAN family. “It’s an honor to be part of an agency so committed to making a positive difference in people’s lives and with a strong internal culture of innovation, empowerment, and employee wellness. I am excited to connect two communities I am passionate about and to help ICAN spearhead exciting new initiatives that will help children, youth, and families thrive.”

Linda commutes to ICAN’s Family Resource Center from her home base in Syracuse, NY, where she resides with her husband and two teenage sons. She also has two adult daughters. Viewing the commute as an opportunity for self-care, Linda balances her busy professional and home life with personal time, enjoying audiobooks podcasts, and connecting with friends and family. Linda has served on several local boards and volunteered with Book Buddies, church, and her children’s sports teams.

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