FOCUS Staff

Dedicated to strengthening community.

  • ​Keith Leahey

    Executive Director

    Keith brings over 30 years of experience in the human services field and a commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. With his extensive knowledge, compassion, and leadership, he is dedicated to advancing positive change for those he serves. LEARN MORE

  • ​Wells Wellington

    Director of Programs 

    Wells Wellington joined FOCUS in September 2022.  As our Director of Programs, Wells oversees the smooth operation of both our Interfaith Food Pantry and Breakfast Club, as well as assisting with the FOCUS Food Pantry Network.  Wells has extensive experience in human service agencies, applying studies in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Wells' favorite thing about FOCUS is the collaborative learning environment.

  • ​Lorraine Houk

    Food Pantry Director

    ​Lorraine began working at FOCUS in 2008.  As the manager of the food pantry, she oversees the daily operation, files all required reports, works on the budget, food ordering and statistics. Lorraine is on the Membership committee for Food Pantries for the Capital District and in her free time loves to garden and cook.​ She was born and raised in Voorheesville.

  • ​Belinda Quaye

    Office Manager/Volunteer Coordinator

    ​Belinda has been working at FOCUS since 2013.  Her biggest inspiration are the FOCUS volunteers who she says, "Inspire me. I enjoy sharing the FOCUS mission with prospective FOCUS volunteers, it reminds me often the important work we do for neighbors in need." She was born in Ghana and moved to the U.S. in 2010. ​

  • ​Julius Sales

    Breakfast & Pantry Associate
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    Julius joined FOCUS in January 2022. He was born in Miami, Florida, and moved to Albany in 1965. Julius' favorite things about FOCUS are serving our guests and helping the community. When away from FOCUS, Julius enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and taking every opportunity to make people smile.

  • ​ ​Derrick Baxter

    Breakfast Coordinator

    FOCUS Churches has granted me the opportunity to grow into the individual that I always wanted to be. My past is a reminder of what I want to do to help our guests. I have a relationship with a higher power that I have always felt throughout my life and I thank Him for my blessings today.

  • Denys (Lolo) Lesane

    Program Associate

    ​After volunteering at the Breakfast Club for several years, Lolo joined the FOCUS Churches staff in 2023. She shared, “This is not a job. This is like coming home to be with family and friends.”

  • ​Kim Deal

    Communications Manager

    With over 25 years of experience in marketing and communications, I am honored to support the mission of this advocacy group. It’s inspiring to work alongside such passionate individuals committed to making a meaningful difference.

FOCUS Staff News