FCA, a leading health and human services not-for-profit organization on Long Island, recently promoted Thurston O’Neal to Assistant Vice President, Prevention & Community Engagement. He most recently served as Director of the Hempstead Prevention Coalition at FCA. In his new role, Thurston will lead FCA’s robust lineup of prevention programs that help young people and families across Long Island cope with societal, economic and other issues that affect their lives and communities. FCA President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey L. Reynolds, PhD, made the announcement.
“Thurston has extraordinary insight and a talent for bringing people together to help revitalize their communities with actionable programs and ideas,” said Dr. Reynolds. “His holistic approach engages families and individuals, and residents and businesses to work together towards creating healthy opportunities for themselves and the community as a whole.”
A native Long Islander, Thurston draws from a multitude of life, educational, and work experiences including counseling youth, community organizing, advocacy, and crafting effective learning curricula. A performing vocalist, Thurston has traveled the globe, gaining cultural and historical insights that inform his work. As Director of the Hempstead Prevention Coalition, Thurston developed the coalition from the ground up, forming meaningful community partnerships and innovative programming, including the Youth Summer Summit and the Girls’ Empowerment and Leadership Summit. Additionally, Thurston serves as co-chair of FCA’s DEI Council (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). He previously held positions with FCA’s Long Beach Ladders and PINS (Person in Need of Supervision) programs.
Thurston has received commendations from state and local government officials for his collaborative community efforts, impact, and leadership. Most recently The Hempstead Prevention Coalition was selected as a 2022 “What’s Great in Our State” award winner, which recognizes and honors individuals and programs for outstanding work to bring positive mental health outcomes for children, youth, young adults, communities, and families.
Thurston holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Empire State College and his Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University. He lives with his family in Wheatley Heights.
