Administration
Nelson Ribon
DIRECTOR
Mr. Nelson Ribon joined the New Jersey Youth Challenge Academy in January 2019 to serve as the principal and leader of the educational programs offered to our residents. At the conclusion of Class 49 in April, he was promoted to serve as Deputy Director of Programs where he oversaw all academic offerings, counseling, medical services, service-to-community, staff training & professional development, religious services, assessments, mental health, and academic and community partnerships. In addition, he actively supported the Academy’s strategic planning, recruiting, marketing and post-residential planning efforts. On August 1, 2019, Mr. Ribon was appointed by the Adjutant General to serve as the new Director.
Sean M. Chapman
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Sean M. Chapman is the Deputy Director of the New Jersey Youth Challenge Academy.
In this capacity, he is responsible for executive management of operations, providing academics, leadership, physical training, and personal growth to educate and train at risk youth. He manages day-to-day operations of the Academy, staff coordination, and project management. Mr. Chapman monitors compliance with federal and state cooperative agreements, laws, and agency policies. He oversees concurrent projects, mentors staff, and represents NJYCA at internal, external, and private meetings and briefings.
Peter Sarni III
RECRUITMENT, PLACEMENT, MENTORING (RPM) COORDINATOR
Mr. Peter Sarni III is the Recruitment, Placement and Mentoring (RPM) Coordinator with the New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy.
As the RPM Coordinator, Mr. Sarni supervises a team of 8 personnel dedicated to the success of young adults. His section consists of Recruiters, Case Managers, Post-Residential Specialists, IT, and Administrative Assistants. His list of responsibilities include, but are not limited to, all the marketing for the Academy, qualifying all potential candidates, over-seeing the completion of intermediate and long-range goals of the cadets and the post-residential success of each graduate.
Jackson M. Rivera
COMMANDANT
Major Jackson M. Rivera is the Commandant of Cadets with the New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy.
In this capacity he is responsible for accountability, control, and overall well- being of Cadet corps and supervision of the Cadre Department. The Commandant establishes and maintains the Youth ChalleNGe Academy tradition. Oversees cadet records covering discipline and behavior, community projects, and leadership. Plans, develops, and coordinates training activities for cadets when not participating in academic or counseling scheduled courses. Ensures cadre staff operates in accordance to the Operations SOP, the Academy’s behavior management procedures, and Academy policies & procedures.
