Grace Verderame
Corporate Compliance Officer
Grace Verderame is a seasoned administrative professional with a comprehensive background in senior management within non-profit organizations, human services, and industry sectors. Her extensive career, spanning over four decades, showcases her adeptness in regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and program development. Grace has spearheaded successful agency reviews, developed comprehensive policies and procedures, and managed a robust team of professionals. Her creation of internal auditing processes and oversight of external audits including maintaining professional relationships with State Oversight agencies (OPWDD, OMH, OCFS, OMIG, DOH) highlights her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to compliance reinforcing her capability in safeguarding organizational integrity and risk management.
Grace successfully opened new residential programs throughout Long Island and the five boroughs as well as both site based day services and Programs without Walls. Grace oversaw the largest voluntary agency Family Care Program on Long Island and successfully wrote a grant that awarded her agency with the entirety of the Brooklyn DDRO’s Family Care Program. Grace was part of the founding administration and played an integral part in launching New York State’s first approved advanced Regent’s Diploma residential school for adolescents with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. Her collaborative efforts in creating a Positive Behavioral Intervention Support System and managing a co-ed residential component underscore her dedication to enhancing service delivery for varying vulnerable populations.
Grace's early career includes significant roles where she honed her skills in program management, compliance, and residential and day services. She holds a B.A. from Queens College and has completed College Coaching at Spectrum Services. Grace has held roles as an active member of various advisory boards and committees, including the Mercy College Women in Leadership Certificate Program, Grace continues to contribute her expertise to the broader community. Her volunteer work with the Adelphi University Statewide Breast Cancer Coalition reflects her commitment to service beyond her professional endeavors.
Grace lives on Long Island with her rescued fur child Luigi, a Chiweenie/Jack Russell mix, and hopes to one day be able to rescue more.
