Unity House Welcomes New Board Member

Shari Weiss brings 30 years of human services expertise

Auburn, New York – Unity House’s Executive Director Liz Smith has announced that a new community leader has joined the nonprofit’s board of directors.

Dr. Shari Weiss, executive director of Cayuga Community Health Network, was inducted to the board in August. Dr. Weiss has extensive experience in a range of human services including homeless housing, chemical dependency, mental health, and public health and policy.

“I have known Shari a long time, and her expertise in our industry is well suited to our board, our organization, and our community as a whole,” said Unity House CEO Liz Smith. “Shari understands the challenges and the rewards of providing services to those with developmental disabilities and mental illness. I find her to be intelligent, articulate and engaged, and I look forward to working with her in this capacity.”

Dr. Weiss was named executive director of Cayuga Community Health Network in 2019. Previously, she was the community housing manager for Catholic Charities of Cortland County. She is an adjunct faculty member at LeMoyne College and Southern New Hampshire University. In addition to numerous professional affiliations, Shari is a published writer and the recipient of a number of grants and honors.

“I am honored to be a part of the Unity House board of directors,” Shari said. “I have spent the majority of my career serving the most vulnerable populations in communities. It is my hope that my experience and knowledge will help Unity House to continue the important work they have been doing in our community.”

Shari holds a Ph.D. in Public Health with a specialization in public health education and health promotion from Walden University. She earned her master’s in public administration from Binghamton University, and her undergraduate degree in communications from SUNY Cortland. Shari is a CASAC-2 (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) and holds OASAS (Office of Addiction Services and Support) certifications as a master counselor and an education and training provider.