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.
Luis Pinto, Director of Finance
Luis Pinto is a lifelong New Yorker who has served as ACE’s Director of Finance since 2019. He brings a strong background in accounting, auditing, and taxation to his role. Luis earned both his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and his Master’s in Taxation from Hofstra University in 2017.
Before joining ACE, Luis worked as a Staff Accountant at the CPA Group NYC, PLLC, where he managed audit engagements for nonprofit organizations—including ACE itself. His familiarity with ACE’s mission, operations, and financial structure made for a seamless transition into his leadership role, where he continues to strengthen the organization’s fiscal management and long-term sustainability.
Thomas Lee, Director of Contract Services
Thomas joined ACE in 2019 as a Crew Supervisor and now oversees operations, program quality, and community partnerships to support ACE’s mission. He is known for hands-on leadership, strong relationship-building, and a commitment to public service.
Before ACE, Thomas spent over 22 years with the New York City Department of Sanitation, helping maintain the city’s cleanliness and livability. That experience gave him a deep understanding of city operations, teamwork, and community responsibility, which he brings to his work at ACE.
For Thomas, his career has always been about helping others and keeping New York clean, welcoming, and cared for. He takes pride in the impact of his work and remains committed to serving the city he calls home.
Greta Lin, Director of Development
Greta joined ACE in 2022 as Development Manager and now serves as Director of Development. She helped streamline foundation giving profiles and consolidate multi-year foundation partners, and she oversees grant writing, reporting, marketing materials, and donor databases to drive revenue growth and program sustainability.
Her interest in nonprofit development began during an internship with the New York City Council. Before joining ACE, she raised over $500,000 at a nonprofit serving survivors of gender-based violence through grants, direct mail, and online campaigns.
Greta holds an M.S. in Public and Nonprofit Management from Columbia University and a B.A. in Political Science from New York University.
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 160 full-time employees.
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 160 full-time employees.