Neal Keller is a 2014 Leadership Westchester alumnus who is an embodiment of leadership and community service. Beyond his active role in the Leadership Westchester community, where he mentors rising leaders, co-started a men’s alumni group exploring intimate leadership and personal issues faced by members, and assists in recruiting future class participants, Neal's dedication to his community extends into a variety of valuable organizations.
A retired IT specialist from IBM’s Watson Research Center and contributing author of over 25 IBM patents, Neal has leveraged his professional expertise to provide invaluable knowledge to the various causes dear to his heart. Neal made a remarkable impact teaching a Mercy College computer class in Sing Sing Prison for 15 years. Neal continues to serve on the board of Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison, a non-profit organization focused on partnering with colleges to provide higher education for incarcerated individuals in six New York State prisons. As a board member and instructor, Neal has been instrumental in recruiting and guiding others to teach college courses in prisons.
Neal continued to expand his sphere of influence by completing a certification program at Westchester Community College to become a teacher of ESL for adults. He tutors recent immigrants weekly through the Washington English Center and for Neighbors Link, a non-profit that aids immigrants through a healthy transition into their community. His compassion and dedication to empowering immigrant populations are remarkable and have left a lasting impact.
Additionally, Neal has a history of volunteering with several organizations focused on aiding seniors. He has volunteered with DOROT Westchester, where he participated in “friendly visits” and delivered holiday packages to aging adults. At Self Help Community Services, he served as a conversation partner and taught a 10-session series on technology, helping seniors live with independence and dignity.
During the pandemic, Neal once again drew upon his professional background as he taught some technically challenged senior members of Congregation Kol in Westchester to use Zoom, enabling their continued participation in synagogue activities. He recently started a Volunteer Club at Kol Ami.
On a personal level, Neal is committed to ongoing self-development and mentoring. He makes time to study Jewish Mussar and Buddhist ethical practices to enrich his own life but also to enhance his mentoring capabilities.
Living in Pleasantville with his wife, Susan, Neal is a pillar of his community, a dedicated educator, and a distinguished volunteer. He is a testament to the power of committed individuals to effect change.
Recent Graduates from Leadership Westchester:
(Affiliations listed are from their time of graduation)
Class of 2023
Rosie Acampora, PCSB Community Foundation
Carlos Andrade, M&T Bank
Anthony Bailey, Yonkers Community Action Program
Patrick Bardsley, Spectrum Designs Foundation
Joan L. Feinstein
Chloe Fernandez, Westchester Youth Alliance
Kareema Gathers
Chris Januski, JWI Group, Inc.
Patti Jewell
Nicole Lowrance, Volunteer New York!
Marlene McLarty
Margarita Pineiro, YMCA of Central Northern Westchester
Dylan F. Pyne
Alessandra Restiano, Westchester County Board of Legislators
Jessica Richardson, My Sisters' Place Inc.
Jonathan Rosen, Collaberex
Catrina Shivers, New Rochelle Municipal Housing Authority
Araceli Soriano, Westchester Community College - Mount Vernon Center
Stephanie Tkach
Michael Zaro, Zaro's Family Bakery
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