Samantha Lopez has been with EXPONENTS for over fifteen years first as Director of Development & Contracts then Director of Quality Assurance and Chief Administrative Officer. Prior to coming to EXPONENTS Ms. Lopez, a graduate of New York University was at HIV Care Services, a program of Public Health Solutions, where she managed a portfolio of over 30 Ryan White Title I contracts. She began working in the non-profit sector as Assistant Director of Program Development for Elmhurst Hospital Center shortly after her college graduation. Ms. Lopez has also served on the Community Advisory Boards of two MHRA projects, FITA, and HIV CARE services.
Regina Edwards is the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Exponents, Inc. She has been with the organization for 23 years and oversees Finance, Human Resources, IT and Fundraising. Ms. Edwards directs the development and execution of major financial policies, plans, procedures, and controls and engages in financial analysis of all Exponents’ programs. She is responsible for formalizing the organization’s accounting practices and procedures and ensures that a fundraising plan is executed to support its sustainability. Ms. Edwards received her Bachelors’s in Accounting from Lehman College in the Bronx and came to Exponents with many years of not for profit experience under her hat. She served 6 years as Board Treasurer for the HIV Law Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing legal representation and advocacy for low-income people with HIV/AIDS. Ms. Edwards has happily made the non-profit sector a career choice and her life’s work.
Joseph R. Turner, JD, is the co-founder and current President/CEO of EXPONENTS, Inc., in New York City. EXPONENTS is the first known harm reduction substance use treatment program, beginning in 1988. EXPONENTS is founded on the principles of ‘engagement, community, and advocacy. Abstinence is not required for admission, participation, or completion of any of EXPONENTS’ programs – with over 10, 800 NYC substance users completing their programs. Mr. Turner was born and raised in Brooklyn’s Brownsville, embracing his path through the streets, drugs, prison, treatment, wellness, and activism. As an attorney, Mr. Turner has worked for Harlem Legal Services, National Conference of Black Lawyers, and had a private practice that focused on the representation of political prisoners, criminal defense, and community development. He has previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Harlem United, Executive Director of the Fountain Avenue Community Development Corporation, and former Chairman of the Board of Friends of Recovery – New York (FOR-NY). He has provided consulting services to various social justice organizations. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Exodus Transitional Services and the current co-chair of the OASAS Recovery Implementation Team. Mr. Turner’s recovery and activism are anchored and maintained upon the same harm reduction principles of EXPONENTS’ – “meeting folks where they’re at and not leaving them there.”