FatheringConference2016Feb. 22, 2017 -- County Executive Robert P. Astorino today announced that Mike Brady, president and chief executive officer of Greyston, a leading social enterprise whose world-renowned Greyston Bakery provides employment opportunities that help lift people out of poverty, will be the keynote speaker at the 3rd Annual New York Fathering Conference taking place April 4 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.

“Mike Brady offers a visionary approach to business growth and social empowerment,” Astorino said. “Greyston Bakery’s model of Open Hiring creates opportunities for everybody, regardless of their background or work history. It provides people who want to work with the employment, skills, resources and dignity they need to break the cycle of poverty while supporting the overall growth of the business. We are honored to have him as our keynote speaker at this year’s Fathering Conference.”

The theme of this year’s event is “Ready to Work: Navigating Home, Job and Community.” The program will include 21 workshops on topics such as job retraining, hiring trends, navigating government programs, men’s health and wellness, parenting skills, and ways to better engage fathers.

Up to 400 fathers and service providers are expected to attend, so please register in advance to secure your spot at  Ready to Work - Navigating Home, Job and Community. Registration is $45 and includes continental breakfast, lunch and beverages. The County Center is located at 198 Central Ave., White Plains, N.Y. For more information, please contact Joseph D. Kenner, Deputy Commissioner of Social Services, at .

As president of Greyston Bakery in Yonkers for four years, Brady drove strategic business development with long-standing partner Ben & Jerry’s and with new partners such as Whole Foods Market. During this time, the Bakery realized nearly 100 percent revenue growth and became New York State’s first registered Benefit Corporation. Brady recently took responsibility for all Greyston’s programs and businesses, including Workforce Development, Community Gardens, Housing, Health Services and Early Learning Center.

Brady’s passion lies in the integration of business and social good, particularly through the scaling of Open Hiring throughout the country.

“Open Hiring has the potential to create opportunities all across the country for people facing barriers to employment,” Brady said. “Our commitment to the community and to the people is at the core of everything we do and I look forward to sharing our approach with everyone at the Fathering Conference.”

Following the morning keynote address, a panel discussion will focus on the theme of the conference, “Ready to Work: Navigating Home, Job and Community,” featuring:

  • Moderator: Donald Somerville, The Children’s Village
  • Mike Brady, President and CEO, Greyston
  • Dion Drew, Greyston Bakery employee and father
  • Rosa Boone, DSS Deputy Commissioner
  • Alphonso Simmons – R.E.A.L. Parenting Program Coordinator/Family Services of Westchester

Organized by the New York Fathering Conference Planning Committee, a collaboration of government and non-profit leaders, the conference is part of Astorino’s ongoing #DadBeThere fatherhood initiative. The goal is to target the full spectrum of fathers, from those who are present in the home to those who are not.

One of the highlights of Astorino’s fatherhood initiative is the R.E.A.L. Parenting Program, which is helping participants to find and keep employment, manage their child support payments, improve their parenting and relationship skills and most importantly, to be the positive role models their children and families need. To learn more, visit www.westchestergov.com/dadbethere.

“The role of a father is critically important,” Astorino said. “Families are stronger when a dad is actively involved, and society is stronger as a result.”