Ron Oberdick, Chief Financial Officer

Ron spent 12 years in banking before starting his own company in the retail furniture industry. With his partners, he grew the business to 3 New Jersey locations employing 25 persons. For 35 years it was a source of joy and a source of pride when he retired.

Upon retiring, Ron joined Ignation Volunteer Corps and spent two years assisting in the third grade of an inner city school. It was after this assignment that Ron was introduced to the founder of Reconnect, Fr. Jim O’Shea, who was running a cafe in Bed-Stuy employing young men from the neighborhood, who had difficulty finding places of employment.

Ron was so impressed with the mission that he signed on to be their first CFO. As Reconnect grew from the cafe to add a bakery and graphic apparel business, Ron applied his skills at running a small business to these new ventures as well.

When it was decided to move Reconnect to Queens, Ron was on board. Tapping into his experience in the interiors business he assisted in developing the overall design scheme for the remodeled Thomas Berry Place, which was to provide Reconnect with a permanent new home.

Ron continued to perform his function as CFO, as Reconnect grew to include other ventures including maintenance and culinary services.

While he takes pride in these tasks, he takes particular joy from interacting with the young men who join the Reconnect Community.