People news: ICAN names new chief operations officer

UTICA, N.Y. — Integrated Community Alternatives Network (ICAN) announced it has appointed Linda Lopez as chief operations officer.

In this role, Lopez will play a role in guiding key projects and initiatives at the nonprofit organization, including the organization’s Elevate CNY sports and recreation center. She will oversee a broad portfolio and direct multiple agency departments including human resources, facilities, and maintenance.

“Linda’s wealth of experience, coupled with her innovative leadership style and profound dedication to our mission, makes her an ideal fit for this role,” ICAN CEO/Executive Director Steven Bulger said in a press release. “Her vision for the future aligns perfectly with our goals of expanding our services and deepening our impact in our region and beyond. We are excited to welcome her to ICAN and anticipate reaching new heights under her guidance.”

Prior to joining ICAN, Lopez worked in both the nonprofit and government sectors. She held executive roles at the Rescue Mission Alliance, OnCare (Onondaga County System of Care), the Onondaga County Department of Children and Family Services, and most recently as executive director of The Salvation Army in Syracuse.

Lopez holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies/human resources from SUNY Empire State College and attended graduate school at the Maxwell School of Public Administration at Syracuse University. She has served on several local boards and volunteered with Book Buddies, church, and her children’s sports teams.

Founded in 1997, ICAN provides individualized and non-traditional services and care to high-risk individuals and families with social, emotional, mental health, and behavioral challenges. The organization employs more than 275 care managers, service coordinators, social workers, support specialists, and clinical staff serving more than 2,100 individuals and families each day.