Meet Our Senior Management Team
David Selig
Interim President/CEO
David R. Selig, P.T., M.H.A. has over 40 years of experience in integrated healthcare delivery systems, grant writing and large-scale health information technology acquisitions and deployment. Previously, Mr. Selig has held positions in community health, as a hospital executive, large group practice administrator and as a licensed physical therapist.
Between 1997 and 2012 Mr. Selig served as the founding Chief Executive Officer of Community Care Network of Virginia (CCNV), Virginia’s statewide community health center owned and governed network of over 450 providers delivering care in 120 Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia, as well as its subsidiary corporation, ComCare, LLC, Virginia’s statewide shared health information technology corporation. Prior to starting Forge Works Consulting, Inc. Mr. Selig was the Vice President for the Professional Staff at the former Richmond Memorial Hospital, in Richmond, Virginia.
Mr. Selig received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1983 from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and a Master of Health Services Administration from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1992.
Rebecca Acosta
Executive Vice President/COO
Rebecca Acosta has been an employee of the North Hudson Community Action Corporation since 2009. She has a Bachelor’s in Psychology (Montclair State University) and a Master’s degree in Health Administration (Capella University). In 2018 she became the Director of Business Development overseeing North Hudson’s 340B Program, call center, marketing efforts, outreach as well as the organization’s Foundation. Rebecca Acosta now serves as the Executive Vice President for North Hudson Community Action Corporation (NHCAC) since March 2021 and as of 2025 Chief Operating Officer.
Michael Shababb
Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer
Michael Shababb has been employed at the North Hudson Community Action Corporation since the inception of the Federally Qualified Health Center in 1994, serving as the Chief Financial Officer. In addition, Michael served as the Chief Operating Officer from 1997 thru 2012, before returning to the position of Chief Financial Officer. By serving in both positions, Michael has a unique prospective on the day to day operations and its impact on the organizations finances. Michael is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University with BS in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in the State of New Jersey.
Dr. Rita V. Knause
Vice President of Medical Affairs/Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Knause is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1993. She completed her medical education at St. George’s University School of Medicine in 1998. In 2003 Dr. Knause finished her residency in OBGYN from Christiana Care and was awarded the Laparoendoscopic Surgeon of the Year. After being in private practice for 4 years she started at North Hudson Community Action Corporation in 2007. She practiced general OBGYN with a special interest in high risk obstetrics. In 2018 she became the Director for the Women’ Health Department. Dr. Knause now serves as Chief Medical Officer for North Hudson Community Action Corporation (NHCAC) since February 2020.
Dawn M. Castella
Vice President of Human Resource
Dawn M. Castella has served as the Vice President of Human Resources at North Hudson Community Action Corporation for ten years. In this role, she is responsible for developing and implementing HR strategies that align with NHCAC’s overall goals. With over 25 years of experience in Healthcare Human Resources Administration, Dawn is knowledgeable in all aspects of HR, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, compliance, and fostering organizational culture.
Rosemary J. Lavagnino
Vice President CAP Services
Prior to her work in the non-profit sector, Rosemary Lavagnino was one of the first women in the securities industry to rise to the rank of Vice President specializing in investments. After serving on NHCAC’s Board of Directors for 8 years, she was appointed in 2006 to direct and coordinate the administrative functions and operations of 10 social service programs. Rosemary is a member of Hudson County’s Human Services Advisory Council and also the Treasurer of the corporate Foundation. She has 27 years of experience in the governance of her community as an elected official and the recipient of several awards for lifetime commitment and leadership in business, government and volunteer services. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Literature and graduate study in accounting and economics. Rosemary believes there is no greater privilege than assisting others attain self-sufficiency in their lives.
Monica Charris Tabares
Vice President of Head Start/Early Head Start
Ms. Monica Charris has been actively involved in the field of education for over 32 years. Prior to being hired as Director of the North Hudson Head Start program, she worked in every level of education from Teacher assistant to Master teacher. Her Education specialty is birth to five-year-old with a focus on Dual Language learning. She holds a Masters in Bilingual Education as well as one in Educational Leadership. She currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Millie Portillo
Executive Assistant to the President/CEO & Office Manager
Millie Portillo has been with North Hudson Community Action Corporation since 2016. She serves as the Executive Assistant to the President/CEO and also fulfills the role of Office Manager, overseeing daily administrative operations. In addition to supporting executive leadership, she works closely with the Board of Directors, assisting with meeting coordination, communications, and documentation. She takes pride in helping ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly and that leadership and board efforts are well supported.
