Executive Team

Len Cipollone, President/CEO

Len Cipollone joins Easterseals with an extensive background in human services. He started his career as a direct support worker for adults with intellectual disabilities at the Department of Developmental Services. Over the course of a career that spanned 5 decades, Len held positions with increasing degrees of responsibility; quality oversight, budget review, and program oversight. He played an integral role in expanding opportunities, resources, and programs for individuals served in Connecticut. Len closed out his time with the public sector in a leadership role as the Director of Service Development and Support for The Department of Developmental Services South Region. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife Michelle, adult children, and three dogs.

Gary Nielsen, C.P.A., CFO/COO

Gary Nielsen has been with Easterseals since 2004.  He is a Licensed Certified Public Accountant and holds a Master’s Degree in Finance.  He provides oversight of the Finance Office, IT and Agency Infrastructure.  He has over 35 years of professional business experience in accounting, audit, budget development, administration, finance, insurance, policy development, grant management, construction oversight and infrastructure management.  Over the course of  his career, he has been a Board of Director for 15 Corporations and Foundations, a Trustee for a National Reinsurance Pool and has held the Executive Leadership and Cabinet position of Chief Financial Officer for 18 years.  Gary has a long tenure with Easterseals and he “enjoys making a difference in the lives of the individuals and families that we serve on a daily basis in the greater Waterbury area”.  He and his wife Nancy live in Woodbury and have two adult children.

Eric Cybulski, MBA, Vice President of Program Administration

Eric has been with Easterseals since 2017.  He received a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy, and an MBA in Healthcare Management and Compliance Law.  Eric has proven to be valuable asset to Easterseals as the Director of Rehabilitation programs and as the Vice President of Program Administration.  He has over 10 years of experience in providing voluntary and professional leadership throughout the Greater Waterbury area including St. Mary’s Hospital, Prospect Soccer Club and a local church.  He is a visionary leader who believes that everyone’s position is important to the success of the organization.  When Eric is not working you can find him hiking, snowboarding, fishing or spending time on Rhode Island beaches with his family.

Lisa McNeill, MBA, Vice President of Program Administration - Employment and Community Services

Lisa McNeill brings more than 27 years of experience supporting neurodiverse individuals across the lifespan in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles across a wide range of service settings, including residential services, day programs, employment supports, independent living, and family home-based services.

Lisa earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University and her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership from Post University. She is passionate about developing high-performing teams, building strong organizational systems, and fostering person-centered services that empower individuals to achieve meaningful outcomes. Her leadership is grounded in collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to delivering high-quality supports for the people and families Easterseals serves.

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her son, volunteering with youth sports, and cheering on her older son, who proudly serves as an active-duty Marine.