Alliance Leadership & Governance
The Alliance for Children and Families’ “Members First” philosophy is driven by a dedicated executive team and a diverse volunteer board of directors.
The Alliance Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from within the Alliance membership network, as well as independent volunteers. The board meets three times each year and relies on several committees to assist with leading the organization, ensuring financial stability, and setting strategic direction.
Alliance Executive Team
Susan Dreyfus is the president and CEO of the Alliance. She also serves as president and CEO of the Alliance’s holding company, Families International.
In this role, Dreyfus oversees a unique corporate structure that allows four organizations—the Alliance, FEI Behavioral Health, United Neighborhood Centers of America (UNCA), and Ways to Work—to operate under one parent company.
This allows each organization to maintain financial independence while encouraging collaboration and creating cost-savings as a result of pooling resources. ... more
Polina Makievsky is COO for the Alliance. She joined the Alliance in April 2010.

Most recently, Makievsky was director of programs at Alliance member La Casa de Esperanza in Waukesha, Wis. At La Casa, she managed multiple programs and departments, including services for children, youth, and families; the workforce development and financial stability program; outpatient mental health services and an alcohol and other drugs abuse clinic; senior housing program; and the fitness center.
Prior to joining La Casa, Polina worked in Washington, D.C., as director of model programs for the Points of Light Foundation. She also worked as a policy analyst for the ... more
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