Professional Leadership
Combined, Gaudenzia's executive leadership team has more than 200 years of experience in their respective fields of study and practice. We are proud to attract some of the best and brightest in the field to help us fulfill our mission of helping individuals with substance abuse problems.
Michael B. Harle, MHS
President / Chief Executive Officer, Gaudenzia, Inc.
Michael Harle is the President / CEO of Gaudenzia, Inc. Mr. Harle began his career in 1973 as a chemical dependency counselor, and shortly after, developed drug and alcohol treatment programs in three state correctional institutions in Pennsylvania. He received his Master's Degree in Human Services from Lincoln University in 1978 and holds a certificate in Non-Profit Management from Harvard University Business School. For a full biography, please click here.
Gadi Aronson, MSW
Director of Development
Gadi Aronson has been with Gaudenzia since 2004 and has more than 25 years experience in fundraising. Mr. Aronson is responsible for all aspects of fundraising and public relations for the organization.
Michael Coyle, MBA, CPA
Director of Finance & Accounting
Michael Coyle has been with Gaudenzia since 2011 and has over 20 years of executive financial experience, specializing in healthcare and non-profit organizations. He directs all aspects of Gaudenzia's financial operations.
Ken Dickinson, MS, RHP
Director of Marketing
Ken Dickinson has been with Gaudenzia since 2007 and is responsible for all aspects of recruiting clients to our programs. Mr. Dickinson is a registered pharmacist. He enjoys a national reputation as a lecturer and advocate in the areas of addiction and behavioral health. He is a Trainer for the Institute for Research, Education, and Training in Addictions (IRETA) as well as the North Eastern Addiction Technology Transfer Center (NEATTC).
Joan M. Gaughan, J.D.
Director of Compliance and Governance
Joan Gaughan holds a B.A. magna cum laude, from Syracuse University and a Juris Doctor Degree from Duquesne University School of Law. She has completed course work for a Master’s in Public Administration from the Pennsylvania State University and has a certificate in Addiction Studies from Villanova University. Prior to joining Gaudenzia, she was a Compliance and Government Relations Specialist for HealthAmerica’s Medicaid Programs. She has over 20 years experience in the private practice of law specializing in ERISA litigation and benefits administration.
Karen Griffin, MS
Director of Administration
Karen Griffin has been a Gaudenzia employee since 1979. With a background in education and social service agencies, Ms. Griffin has held several positions at Gaudenzia. As Director of Administration she manages Gaudenzia's two Boards of Directors, program acquisitions and start-ups, strategic planning and incident investigation.
Sharon Johnson, MBA
Director of Human Resources
Sharon Johnson has been with Gaudenzia for more than 15 years, and is the Director of Human Resources for the organization. Ms. Johnson is responsible for all aspects of human resources for over 900 full-time and 150 part-time employees.
Gale Saler, LCPC, CRC-MAC
Director of the Chesapeake Region
Gale Saler has been with Gaudenzia since 2001. Ms. Saler has worked in the addiction and rehabilitation field since 1984, during which time she has developed and operated some of the most effective addiction treatment and recovery programs in the region.
Mark Sarneso, M.S.
Director of the Central and Western Region
Mark Sarneso holds a B.A. from York College of Pennsylvania and a M.S. from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development. He has over 35 years of increasingly responsible management positions in the behavioral health field. Mark also has extensive experience in advocacy of public policy, as he was Chairman of DASPOP (Drug and Alcohol Service Providers of Pennsylvania) for 17 years.
Cecilia Velasquez, MHS
Director of the Eastern Region
Cecilia Velasquez has been with Gaudenzia since 1981 and has been in field of human services since 1974. Ms. Velasquez has worked with diverse populations including: chemical dependency, women/women and children, victims of domestic/sexual violence, dual diagnosis, homeless, community corrections and prisons.
Carole Ziegler
Director of Risk Management and Internal Audit
Carole Ziegler has been with Gaudenzia since 1985. Ms. Ziegler plans and completes internal audits of agency programs and departments, implements policies and procedures and assists in preparation of agency audit work-papers. She is the Chair the Safety Committee and manages the administration of the pension funds.
