We’re honored to announce our honorees for this year’s annual fall event, An Evening of Unity: A Cocktail Party with Purpose, on October 22nd, 2026.
Founders Award
Chris Burke
Chris began his career in human services in 1975, directing a day-treatment program for youth. In 1981, Chris joined Unity House as Associate Executive Director, working alongside founder Mary Jane Smith. Upon her retirement in 1991, he stepped into the role of Executive Director/CEO, continuing to build on her vision with deep commitment and compassion. Chris Burke served as Chief Executive Officer of Unity House for more than three decades, guiding the organization from Mary Jane’s retirement in 1991 through his retirement in 2022.
Under Chris’s leadership, Unity House grew into a dynamic, multi-faceted human services agency dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families facing significant challenges. The organization provides a wide range of programs serving people living in poverty, adults coping with mental illness, victims of domestic and sexual violence, individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and children with developmental delays. Grounded in a mission of social justice, Unity House reflects Chris’s lifelong dedication to addressing unmet needs and fostering a greater understanding of the struggles many face each day.
Beyond Unity House, Chris has been an active and influential community leader. He has served on numerous regional boards and initiatives, including the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, Parsons Child and Family Center, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) local Board, Historic Troy 2020, and the Troy Kiwanis. He is a past President of the NYS Association for Community Living and has contributed to efforts in economic development, historic preservation, emergency response, and mental health services through roles such as the Rensselaer County Unified Services Mental Health Management Team and the Homeless Services Collaborative Executive Committee.
Chris earned his Master of Public Administration from SUNY Albany and is widely respected for his expertise in nonprofit leadership and development.
Chris and his wife, Kathi, raised three children and now reside in Halfmoon, close to their oldest grandchild. In retirement, Chris enjoys playing pickleball, golfing, playing basketball, riding his bike, reading and most of all, spending cherished time with his wife, his children and his grandchildren.
Community Hero Award
Michael-Aaron Poindexter
Michael-Aaron Poindexter is a mission-driven leader with over a decade of experience at the intersection of social impact, organizational strategy, and community empowerment. As Chief Program Officer at the Regional Food Bank, he leads the development and execution of transformative programs that serve more than 355,000 individuals monthly across 23 New York State counties. His work is grounded in a profound commitment to addressing food insecurity and establishing sustainable pathways to equity and well-being for vulnerable communities.
Michael brings both compassion and strategic acumen to his leadership. During his tenure, the Programs Division has experienced transformative growth in both impact and diversity of programs. He also oversees many community health and food as medicine initiatives, children and college programs, program quality assurance, and innovation initiatives, including community impact, senior services, large-scale food distributions, and disaster and crisis response.
Michael-Aaron’s career reflects a broad and impactful trajectory. Prior to his current role, he served as Senior Vice President at Broadview Federal Credit Union, where he worked with the community investment, youth services, MWVBE (Minority, Women, Veteran Business Enterprises), and financial well-being teams. In the education sector, he championed the community schools’ model while also leading district-wide equity initiatives for the City School District of Albany. His background in faith-based leadership includes his current tenure as Senior Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, where they’ve worked to create a 501(c)(3) organization, Higher Horizons Development Corp., to address local health and well-being disparities and promote community empowerment.
A NYS licensed social worker, Michael earned his M.S.W. and B.A. from the University at Albany, certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University and the University of South Florida, and an MDiv. from the United Theological Seminary of Dayton, Ohio.
A respected voice in civic and community leadership, Michael-Aaron is a Board Member of United Way of the Greater Capital Region and previously served as Board Chair of the American Heart Association.
He and his wife, Amber, are the proud parents of four amazing children who, just like them, are all New York Knicks fans and love pizza.
RSVP
Learn more about this year’s fall event, An Evening of Unity: A Cocktail Party with Purpose, including reservations and sponsorship opportunities: