Lina Saray
Chief Financial & Human Resources Officer
Lina Saray joined Innovative Resources for Independence (IRI) in August 2015 as Director of Human Resources, bringing extensive experience in nonprofit management and the developmental disabilities service sector. Since joining IRI, she has assumed progressively broader leadership responsibilities, including her appointment as Chief of Staff in 2023 while continuing to lead the Human Resources department. She currently serves as Chief Financial and Human Resources Officer, with an expanded executive leadership portfolio encompassing financial management, human resources, organizational governance, strategic planning, and agency-wide executive management.
In her current role, Lina provides strategic leadership and oversight of IRI’s financial and human resources functions, including financial planning and budgeting, fiscal operations, financial reporting, investment management, workforce development, talent acquisition and retention, compensation and benefits, and employee relations. She plays a central role in strengthening the organization’s financial position, optimizing resources, enhancing operational efficiency, and promoting long-term financial and organizational sustainability.
Beyond her fiscal and human resources responsibilities, Lina works closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, and executive leadership team to advance organizational priorities, strengthen governance, manage organizational risks, and support strategic decision-making. Her responsibilities extend to executive management, organizational development, leadership accountability, agency-wide communications, and the coordination of cross-functional initiatives aimed at improving operational performance and organizational effectiveness.
Throughout her tenure, Lina has played an instrumental role in strengthening IRI’s organizational infrastructure, advancing financial discipline, developing leadership capacity, and supporting the agency’s continued growth and evolution. She is particularly committed to fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, innovation, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
Prior to joining IRI, Lina held various management positions within a large network of nonprofit organizations serving individuals with developmental disabilities. She brings extensive knowledge of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) system, combined with expertise in nonprofit financial management, human capital strategy, executive leadership, and organizational administration.
Lina holds a Bachelor of Science in International Relations and Economics from Seton Hall University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Baruch College. She has also completed professional development programs at Harvard University, including Financial Accounting and AI for Leaders through Harvard Business School Online, as well as Management through Harvard Extension School.
Her commitment to continuous learning and innovation is reflected in her interest in advancing the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence within the nonprofit sector. She is actively engaged in exploring and implementing AI-driven solutions to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen decision-making, optimize organizational resources, and support IRI’s long-term strategic objectives.
Lina is fluent in Spanish.