Joe Riley is a Queens native who spent his entire adult life working in Brooklyn, mostly in the Bay Ridge community. He attended Cathedral Preparatory Seminary and Saint Joseph’s University, and his education and upbringing helped him to realize that he wanted to serve the community. He taught Algebra and advanced Biology at OLPH High School in the 80’s during the week and began “moonlighting” at the Guild for Exceptional Children (GEC) as a DSP caregiver on the weekends. Nearly 40 years later, Joe remains at GEC, having served in multiple positions over the years, and has been leading the storied nonprofit organization for the past 7 as CEO/Executive Director. Throughout challenges and triumphs, Joe remains committed to GEC’s mission of supporting children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and helping them to live full and happy lives and reach their potential as part of a caring community. He is inspired by the people he helps support, their families, and the staff who assist them. There is a culture of kindness at GEC. And that is something that Joe is very proud to be a part of.

 
Joe is also a family man, who enjoys any time he can spend with his wife of 26 years, Kim, who is a Special Education Teacher, and their 22-year-old son, Ray, along with an array of siblings, nieces and nephews, and friends, who are as close as family. He has avid interests in theater and music, and co-founded the Spotlight Players Theater Company in Queens, where he served as Artistic Director. He also enjoys singing with his good friends and college band, The Rogues, whenever he gets the opportunity.

GEC was founded in 1958 and, with a staff of 460, is one of the largest employers in Bay Ridge. The organization has been embraced by the community and Joe understands and appreciates being part of such a supportive community in Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights. So many neighborhood organizations and foundations have been great friends to GEC, and among them, we have had a long and wonderful relationship with the Norwegian Christian Home and Health Center (NCHHC).

Joe has been a longtime admirer of NCHHC and the great work they do and is thrilled to be recognized for his work by such an outstanding organization!