Jim Martin, Executive Director
Jim is an 18 year veteran at ACE. He started at ACE as a job developer in 2002, moved on to the role of Program Director in 2005, and today serves as ACE’s Executive Director.
He is a passionate advocate for those experiencing poverty and homelessness in New York City.
Over his years of work in the field of vocational rehabilitation and workforce development Jim has secured millions of dollars in funding for ACE, as well as designed and implemented several unique programs that have positively impacted the lives of thousands of underserved and impoverished New Yorkers.
Elizabeth McNierney, Programs Director
Elizabeth was raised in northern New Jersey and graduated from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA with a double major in Anthropology and Sociology. Elizabeth began working at ACE in 2008 as the coordinator of its aftercare program. In 2012, she became the program director. With a strong focus on metrics and evidence-based practices, Elizabeth has overseen the expansion and growth of ACE’s programs, and continues to work with zeal toward equipping New Yorkers with the skills needed to achieve long-term economic independence.
Sandra Sanches, Director of Public Relations and Major Gifts
Sandra was born and raised in Brazil. She moved to the U.S. to attend college, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree (concentration in Accounting and Taxation) from Montclair State University.
Following graduation in 1994, Sandra joined a Public Accounting firm in New Jersey. In 2007, she returned to Brazil to accept a position with a sugar trading company. Within a year, she decided she wanted to build a career in the U.S.
In 2008, Sandra returned to New York to accept the position of Executive Assistant to the Founder and Chairman of the Board of ACE. Over the past five years, she has served as an Officer and Director of “The Association of Charles Evans Housing Foundation” (“ACE Housing”) and Director of Public Relations and Major Gifts for ACE. In the latter capacity, Sandra has played a principal role in creating and steering ACE’s Associates Committee”, developing and co-managing all of ACE’s fundraising events including its Annual Gala.
Henry Buhl, Founder
Henry Buhl, philanthropist, community activist and art collector, was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. After attending Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, he worked as a stock analyst and institutional salesman on Wall Street for ten years. In 1961, he moved to Geneva to managed mutual funds for Investor’s Overseas Services, eventually becoming the IOS Executive Director.
He returned to the United States in 1972 and continued his career in investment banking until 1989, when he began pursuing photography and art collection, developing The Buhl Collection. In 1992, Henry encountered a local man experiencing homelessness who inspired him to createThe SoHo Partnership, a non-profit organization to help New Yorkers in need, secure full-time employment and permanent housing.
After developing seven other partnerships, in 2008 Henry consolidated all the partnerships into one named ACE – The Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless.
Henry is the Founder and Chairman of ACE and as of today, he continues to manage ACE, now a 10-million-dollar organization with over 140 full-time employees.
He returned to the United States in 1972 and continued his career in investment banking until 1989, when he began pursuing photography and art collection, developing The Buhl Collection. In 1992, Henry encountered a local man experiencing homelessness who inspired him to createThe SoHo Partnership, a non-profit organization to help New Yorkers in need, secure full-time employment and permanent housing.
After developing seven other partnerships, in 2008 Henry consolidated all the partnerships into one named ACE – The Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless.
Henry is the Founder and Chairman of ACE and as of today, he continues to manage ACE, now a 10-million-dollar organization with over 140 full-time employees.