Vera House recently named DAQUETTA P. JONES as its next CEO, following a nationwide search. She will be relocating to Central New York and will start full time in September, managing overall strategic and operational responsibilities for Vera House staff, programs, and finances, as well as executing its longstanding mission of preventing, responding, and partnering to end domestic and sexual violence and other forms of abuse. Jones, who hails from Troy, N.Y., has extensive experience in nonprofit and human-services leadership. Most recently she served as director of equity and inclusion initiatives at the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. In a career spanning more than 20 years, Jones has also previously served as co-director consultant for the University at Albany’s Institute of Nonprofit Leadership and Community Development, deputy commissioner of administration for New York State Department of Civil Service, executive director of YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, domestic violence counselor for Unity House of Troy, HIV services operations manager at Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Services, assistant director of community based services at the Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth, and program director for Equinox, Inc.’s House for Youth Shelter. Jones has also served as a consultant, providing advisory services to nonprofit executive leaders and boards.

JAMES (JIM) MAHLER has been promoted to director of food & beverage at Loretto Housing. He previously managed food and beverage operations at The Nottingham’s independent living, assisted living, and memory care residence facilities in Jamesville. In this expanded role, he will continue to manage operations at the Nottingham, as well as oversee the food and beverage operations at Buckley Landing, Sedgwick Heights, the Bernardine Apartments, and the Heritage Apartments. Mahler joined Loretto as dining services director at the Nottingham in 2016. During his time at Loretto, he has been recognized with the organization’s Star Award for his exemplary work with the design and operations of The Bistro and The Clubhouse at The Nottingham — which bring new healthy and “in-demand” options for Loretto’s next generation of residents. Prior to joining Loretto, Mahler served as director of food and beverage at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo for more than a decade.

Tops Friendly Markets, a grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont, has promoted COLE BICKAL to produce/floral specialist in the East Region for Tops. Bickal will be responsible for the Syracuse Northeast & Hudson Midstate districts. He will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations and merchandising for the produce and floral departments within those districts. Bickal started with Tops Markets in 2001 and over his 22-year career has held various positions including produce clerk, produce manager, and most recently operations manager of the Elmira Tops.