Executive Team

Brian Cohen was appointed Chief Executive Officer of SAIL in 2024, after serving as Executive Director since 2019. His journey with SAIL began in 2006 as Coordinator of HUD Programs. Over the years, he has held several leadership roles, including Director of Supported Housing and Associate Director, playing a key role in the agency’s programmatic expansion and strategic growth.

With nearly three decades of experience in human services, Brian has dedicated his career to supporting vulnerable populations and strengthening community-based care. At SAIL, he has collaborated with senior leadership to broaden the scope of services, including Supported Housing, ACT Team services, and the Apartment Treatment Program, while also introducing innovative housing models and supports.

Prior to SAIL, Brian worked in Florida and New York in a variety of case management and leadership roles, serving individuals impacted by trauma, HIV/AIDS, and mental health challenges. His early roles at organizations like Tampa Children's Home, Options for Community Living, the Melillo Center for Mental Health, and The WayBack laid the foundation for his commitment to person-centered care and advocacy.

Brian is passionate about inclusive leadership and staff development. He champions a team-driven approach, encouraging feedback and collaboration in shaping SAIL’s programs and policies. Mentorship and staff empowerment remain central to his vision for a resilient, responsive, and forward-thinking organization.

Brian holds a Master of Arts in Sociology from St. John’s University and a Master of Business Administration from St. Joseph’s University.

Brian Cohen, MA, MBA

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dr. Demirakos was appointed Chief Operating Officer of SAIL in 2024, following his tenure as Associate Director since 2019. He first joined SAIL in 2011 and held a series of progressively responsible leadership positions, including launching the agency’s first crisis counseling program—Project Hope—in response to Superstorm Sandy. In 2015, he led the development of SAIL’s second Adult ACT Team as Team Leader, further expanding the organization’s reach in community-based mental health services.

Between 2016 and 2019, he held executive leadership positions at the New York City Children’s Center, a children’s psychiatric center under the New York State Office of Mental Health. He initially served as Deputy Director of Quality Management—overseeing quality management initiatives and leading the organization through a successful Joint Commission survey—before assuming the role of Deputy Director of Operations, where he led inpatient operations and managed clinical and active treatment services across both inpatient and outpatient settings for youth with complex behavioral health needs.

He rejoined SAIL in 2019 as Associate Director, assuming leadership of all residential and clinical programs across Long Island and New York City. His portfolio includes oversight of OMH-licensed services, OMH and OASAS residential programs, and the implementation of state-operated inpatient and outpatient care for youth. His experience has been critical to program expansion, service integration, and strategic operations across SAIL’s footprint.

Dr. Demirakos holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from Adelphi University, where he also earned a Master of Social Work and a Master of Arts in Psychology. He completed his undergraduate studies at Stony Brook University, earning a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Psychology and Sociology.

In addition to his administrative leadership, Dr. Demirakos serves as an Adjunct Professor at Adelphi University’s School of Social Work, teaching a variety of courses including advanced practice, organizational context for professional practice, and issues in social welfare. His research interests include acculturation among minority and underserved populations, access to mental health care, the long-term mental health impacts of COVID-19, and compassion fatigue and burnout among healthcare professionals.

A driving force behind SAIL’s growth, Dr. Demirakos is committed to expanding access, elevating quality, and supporting teams in delivering compassionate, responsive, person-centered care across the communities SAIL serves.

Dr. Ricky Demirakos, PhD, LCSW

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Dr. Demirakos was appointed Chief Operating Officer of SAIL in 2024, following his tenure as Associate Director since 2019. He first joined SAIL in 2011 and held a series of progressively responsible leadership positions, including launching the agency’s first crisis counseling program—Project Hope—in response to Superstorm Sandy. In 2015, he led the development of SAIL’s second Adult ACT Team as Team Leader, further expanding the organization’s reach in community-based mental health services.

Between 2016 and 2019, he held executive leadership positions at the New York City Children’s Center, a children’s psychiatric center under the New York State Office of Mental Health. He initially served as Deputy Director of Quality Management—overseeing quality management initiatives and leading the organization through a successful Joint Commission survey—before assuming the role of Deputy Director of Operations, where he led inpatient operations and managed clinical and active treatment services across both inpatient and outpatient settings for youth with complex behavioral health needs.

He rejoined SAIL in 2019 as Associate Director, assuming leadership of all residential and clinical programs across Long Island and New York City. His portfolio includes oversight of OMH-licensed services, OMH and OASAS residential programs, and the implementation of state-

operated inpatient and outpatient care for youth. His experience has been critical to program expansion, service integration, and strategic operations across SAIL’s footprint.

Dr. Demirakos holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from Adelphi University, where he also earned a Master of Social Work and a Master of Arts in Psychology. He completed his undergraduate studies at Stony Brook University, earning a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Psychology and Sociology.

In addition to his administrative leadership, Dr. Demirakos serves as an Adjunct Professor at Adelphi University’s School of Social Work, teaching a variety of courses including advanced practice, organizational context for professional practice, and issues in social welfare. His research interests include acculturation among minority and underserved populations, access to mental health care, the long-term mental health impacts of COVID-19, and compassion fatigue and burnout among healthcare professionals.

A driving force behind SAIL’s growth, Dr. Demirakos is committed to expanding access, elevating quality, and supporting teams in delivering compassionate, responsive, person-centered care across the communities SAIL serves.

Dr. Ricky Demirakos, PhD, LCSW

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Noelle D. Palazzo is the Chief Financial Officer at SAIL, bringing over three decades of accounting expertise and more than twenty years of dedicated service in the nonprofit sector. She joined SAIL’s leadership team in 2007 as Controller, after years of driving financial excellence, was appointed CFO in 2024.

With a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Dowling College, Noelle began her career in public accounting as a Senior Accountant, specializing in auditing labor unions and their benefit plans. She also served as Assistant Controller for two for-profit companies, gaining valuable experience in diverse financial environments.

Her transition to the nonprofit sector began while consulting for a mission-driven client, where she discovered the deep fulfillment of applying her expertise to an organization making a meaningful impact in the community. Inspired by this experience, she accepted a finance leadership role at a similar agency before ultimately joining SAIL, where she combines her financial expertise with a mission she is proud to support.

Since joining SAIL, Noelle has been pivotal in strengthening the organization’s financial health, guiding it through periods of growth, change, and long-term planning. She manages all facets of financial operations—including cash flow, budgeting, and the complex forecasting unique to the nonprofit sector—while maintaining rigorous compliance with funder requirements and implementing strong internal controls to safeguard agency resources. Beyond her financial leadership, Noelle is a key contributor to strategic decision-making, ensuring resources are aligned with SAIL’s mission. Through collaborative grant writing, she has also played a pivotal role in securing funding that has expanded the agency’s programs and services, allowing it to serve a greater number of communities.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Noelle is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She actively supports local rescue organizations, serving on fundraising committees and volunteering her time to causes close to her heart—a reflection of her enduring commitment to service, compassion, and community engagement.

Noelle Palazzo

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Cynthia Owens is a seasoned Human Resources leader with a commitment to empowering individuals and organizations to reach their fullest potential. Since joining SAIL in 2009, Cynthia has played a fundamental role in driving significant changes in management initiatives, working closely with leaders to help them develop more effective and efficient ways of collaborating. Her expertise lies in unlocking the potential of staff, guiding them toward peak performance, and fostering an environment where growth and development are prioritized.

Throughout her career, Cynthia has been instrumental in establishing best practices across key areas of Human Resources, including employee relations, succession planning, talent management, and policy development. Her work also spans organizational culture building, performance management, and professional development, ensuring that both individuals and teams thrive in alignment with SAIL's strategic goals.

Cynthia holds a Master’s of Business Administration from Molloy College, which has equipped her with the analytical and leadership skills needed to navigate complex organizational dynamics. Her passion for creating a positive and high-performance work environment has made her a valued leader and mentor within SAIL, as well as an advocate for continuous improvement within the HR profession.

Her deep commitment to fostering workplace excellence and talent development continues to shape the growth trajectory of the teams and leaders she supports.

Cynthia Owens, MBA

CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER

With over 30 years of service in the behavioral health field, Judy brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her work. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, and Administration, and Certification in Healthcare Compliance, providing her with a strong foundation in organizational operations, strategic planning and workforce development, and healthcare compliance.

For the past 17 years, Judy has specialized in healthcare compliance, where she has demonstrated a deep commitment to ethical standards, regulatory excellence, and quality care delivery. Her expertise spans risk management, policy development, internal auditing, and staff training, ensuring that organizations meet both state and federal compliance requirements.

Known for her collaborative leadership style and attention to detail, Judy has played a pivotal role in shaping compliance programs that support safe, effective, and person-centered care. Her knowledge and respect for behavioral health and her ability to navigate various regulatory environments make her a trusted advisor and advocate for continuous improvement in healthcare systems.