June 8, 2026
We are delighted to announce Alex Aikens, MSW as the new HiTOPS Executive Director effective July 1, 2026
Alex has been a member of the HiTOPS team since 2017, first as a volunteer and then in several positions in our programs department, most recently as the Senior Director for Programs and Services. Over the years, Alex has marshaled the Faith Initiative, Youth Leadership, and MSW field placement programs, guided the expansion of our youth support and leadership programs, and led the shift to a virtual Trans Youth Forum.
We look forward to the vision, pragmatism, compassion, and leadership skills Alex will bring to usher HiTOPS into the future.
Lisa Shelby, HiTOPS Executive Director, is concluding her 8+ years tenure at HiTOPS
Lisa led HiTOPS through several organizational transitions; guided the overhaul of fiscal, governance, and budgeting systems to align with best practices; oversaw the expansion and enhancement of our programs and services; and solidified HiTOPS as the leader in NJ for youth-informed, affirming, sex-positive education and support for LGBTQ+ young people and their families. Lisa is moving on to explore new career opportunities and other adventures.
Judy Walker, Sr Director of Advancement, is concluding her 6+ years tenure at HiTOPS
Judy has played a key role in building and diversifying our revenue streams, developing our major gifts program, enhancing our fundraising systems and protocols, garnering connections with the corporate community, increasing sponsorships for our two key events, growing our visibility, and establishing a strong presence in the Princeton community. Judy is moving on to explore opportunities leading to retirement.
Challenges and Impact
The past 18 months have been an exceedingly challenging time for the non-profit community, and HiTOPS is no exception. Time after time our team has stood up to the politics of hate, ignorance, and economic threats.
Now we are faced with a hard truth – if we are to continue to provide our core services and programs and remain a thriving organization, we must realign our staffing. We do this with a heavy heart, while we hold onto the knowledge that we do this to ensure queer young people and their families receive the services they need, want and deserve.
AJ Freno, Danella Vecchio, and Mac Allen will be leaving HiTOPS the end of June. Each of them has brought passion, creativity, energy, and care for young people to their work.
AJ enhanced our support groups and after school drop-in programming by initiating the HiTOPS queer lending library, organizing special events and speakers, creating connections with major sports teams, and partnering with other queer-serving organizations.
Danella expanded The Closet, launched the Queer Prom and Queer Career Day, developed the leadership skills of our young leaders, cultivated numerous community partnerships, and built the Trans Youth Forum into a beloved event for the trans community and their allies.
Mac established a joyful, celebratory vibe for HiTOPS, creating a fun and compelling look and feel to our social media communications, website, swag, and our monthly publication, “Hello From HiTOPS.”
We are truly grateful for all they have done for HiTOPS and our communities and wish them all the best on their journeys.
More than ever before, queer youth need their communities.
HiTOPS will continue to stand alongside young people!
*Support Groups *Drop-In *Youth Leadership *The Trans Youth Forum
*Education and Professional Development * Queer Prom *The Closet
HiTOPS will remain at 300 Witherspoon through July. Starting August 1st, our in-person programs will be held at The Arts Council of Princeton. More details and the dates and times for our Groups and Drop-in will be available shortly.
We hope you will continue to support our critical work.