CODI's BOARD of DIRECTORS
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Mary Pat Braudis, (2014 - present) Board Chair
Mary Pat holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and serves as Associate Professor and Assistant Chair of New Jersey Programs in the College of Business at Wilmington University. She has extensive experience in higher education, including leadership roles in graduate and continuing studies, where she helped develop and expand professional training programs for addiction counselors.
Throughout her career, Mary Pat has taught in colleges and universities across multiple states and has professional experience in healthcare administration as a licensed Nursing Home Administrator. She is also a dedicated advocate for individuals with Autism and their families. We are pleased to have Mary Pat on our Board and value the knowledge, leadership, and commitment she brings to our organization
Dan Kelly (2013 - present) Vice-Chair
Dan lives in Rosenhayn, NJ, and is the retired President of Community Quest, Inc. He has both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Psychology and extensive experience in providing assistance and support services to persons with disabilities, veterans, and other at-risk populations. Mr. Kelly has served with ACCESS-NJ, American Conference on Diversity, Atlantic Community Human Services Council, and many other organizations that service at-risk populations and individuals with disabilities. His vision and experience serving similar groups will enhance the services CODI can provide to its consumers and provides a partner with similar ideals and goals.
Linda Carney, President & CEO
Linda received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education at William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey, Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, and has completed Doctoral studies in Organizational Leadership. Linda has extensive community involvement as Board Chairperson of the Friends of Jean Webster, Inc., Administrative Chair at Central United Methodist Church, Presenter/facilitator of staff, client, and board of directors training for internal and external community shareholders, Past State Chair of Association for Choices and Community Supports and Employment Services NJ (ACCSES), Vice-Chair of the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) Disabilities Committee, Past Chair of the Casino Control Commission Disabilities Council, Past Chair of the Atlantic County Human Services Advisory Council, Established the County-Wide Social Services Collaborative - Family Care Partnership, Past President of the Atlantic Area Business and Professional Women’s Association, Past Member United Way Board of Directors, Strategic Planning Committee, Needs Assessment, and Finance Committee, and a Past Member of the Atlantic City Education Foundation. Since 2014, Linda has fulfilled one of her dreams of teaching as an adjunct instructor for Wilmington University. In the fall of 2015, she was selected as the Adjunct Professor of the Year for the College of Business.
Joe Cella - Past Chair
Joe was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and currently resides in Margate, New Jersey, where he enjoys spending time outdoors and taking long walks along the ocean. A graduate of Holy Spirit High School, Joe has built a successful career spanning more than 40 years in the casino industry.
As a longtime employee of Caesars Entertainment, Joe has developed strong relationships with colleagues throughout his career and considers many of them extended family. Known for his commitment, loyalty, and people-focused approach, Joe brings a wealth of professional experience and community-minded leadership to the organizations he serves. His dedication to supporting others and fostering meaningful connections has made him a valued member of the CODI family and Board leadership team.
Father Paul Wise (2018 - Present)
As a former CODI Board member and employee, Father Paul Wise has a deep understanding of the organization’s mission and longstanding commitment to supporting adults with disabilities through employment, housing, and community inclusion. His years of involvement with CODI have provided him with valuable insight into the needs of the individuals we serve and the importance of creating opportunities that promote independence and dignity.
Father Paul is a retired priest who served at St. Monica’s Parish and other parishes throughout Atlantic City. Throughout his ministry, he became widely recognized as a compassionate advocate for underserved and marginalized individuals, dedicating his life to serving those most in need. His commitment to social justice, community service, and helping others has made a lasting impact across the region. We are grateful for Father Paul’s continued leadership, guidance, and unwavering support of CODI’s mission
Pastor David Yun (2019 - Present)
Pastor David Yun has been serving in cross-cultural ministry since 2001 and has led congregations throughout New Jersey, including Lyndhurst UMC, Beverly UMC, Tuckerton UMC, and Central United Methodist Church in Linwood, where he currently serves as Senior Pastor.
In addition to overseeing church operations, ministries, and community outreach efforts, Pastor David is dedicated to building strong partnerships that strengthen and support the communities he serves. He also serves on the Board of Ordained Ministry and chairs its Continuance Subcommittee. His passion for service, leadership, and community engagement makes him a valued member of the CODI Board.
Theresa Zippel (2016 - present)
Theresa joined the CODI Board of Directors in 2016. Theresa has been volunteering at CODI for many years before her Board service and brought with her a deep passion for the organization’s mission, particularly in providing for our client’s daily needs.
The food pantry was created in honor of Michael Zippel Jr., a former CODI consumer who loved the local Food Bank where he volunteered.
In honor of Michael Jr., his parents, Theresa and Michael Sr founded CODI's food pantry.
Their goal was to meet food challenges often faced by individuals with disabilities and disadvantages with limited incomes.
Dr. Peter Contini, former President Emeritus of Salem Community College, is a respected educator and community leader with more than 45 years of experience in public education. His distinguished career spans over three decades in New Jersey public education, where he served as a teacher, principal, superintendent, Gloucester County Superintendent of Schools, and New Jersey Assistant Commissioner of Education. Along with his wife, Betty, he has been a longtime volunteer in CODI’s ATS Program, bringing joy to our consumers for many years. CODI is honored to benefit from his leadership, experience, and dedication to our community.
Stephanie Hodel (2026 - present)
Stephanie Hodel is a retired legal and compliance professional with more than 19 years of experience in paralegal work, internal auditing, regulatory compliance, risk management, and litigation support. She is dedicated to helping organizations operate responsibly, ethically, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
A longtime advocate for CODI, Stephanie has volunteered with the organization for 25 years, serving as Board Member, Secretary, Vice President, and President. Over the past 16 years, she has played a key role in CARF accreditation efforts, policy development, HIPAA compliance, risk assessments, staff training, and organizational support.
We are excited to welcome Stephanie to our Board and look forward to benefiting from her extensive experience, dedication, and longstanding commitment to CODI’s mission.
