BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- David Morriset, Esq.
- Barrington Edie
- Max Jean-Paul, Ed.D
- Yvans Morisseau
- Frantzy Pierre-Louis
- Roberto Samedy
- Margarette Tropnas, MSW
- Sherbune Paul, Esq.
Mr. David Morisset, Esq. is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Haitian American Business Network Chamber of Commerce (HABNET). He is a duly licensed and admitted attorney-at-law, currently maintains a solo practice at The Law Offices of David Morisset, P.C., located in the Boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, David Morisset is the proud child of Joseph and Giselaine Morisset, both of whom migrated from the Republic of Haiti. While attending the State University of New York at Binghamton, David volunteered for the United States Marine Corps Platoon Leadership Course and successfully completed the Crucible.
Barrington Edie is currently an Assistant Vice President with Santander Business Banking and has been with them since January of 2019. In that role he works with business owners by providing customized solutions for their lending and cash management needs. Barrington has over 15 years in the banking industry and has worked at major commercial banking institutions such as HSBC Bank, Citibank, Bank of America, and Sterling National Bank. He has worked in various capacities and experience in international and domestic banking and specialized in developing new business, commercial lending, trade financing, expanding territories, community based banking, and building long term customer relationships.Barrington is a graduate of St John’s University where he majored in sociology and defines his professional success by providing value to his clients by connecting them to opportunities and providing valuable resources to help his client realize their dreams and ambitions.
When Barrington is not working he enjoys traveling all over the world and playing recreational sports, and reading books about success and wealth creation.
Dr. Max Jean-Paul began his career in education more than 15 years ago and remained steadfast in his commitment to young people. Dr. Jean-Paul holds a Doctorate in Educational, Leadership, and Policy from Fordham University. 
Mr. Yvans Morisseau is the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Haitian American Business Network Chamber of Commerce (HABNET).Yvans arrived to the United States from Port-au-Prince, Haiti at the end of 1989. He always had the best interest of the community at hand. In 1986, he became the president of “Le Committee de Relevement de Fontamarra" where the objective of that organization was to enhance the quality of life in the community through education, sports, and moral support for the youth. His commitment and leadership skills were recognized at the "Centre Sportif de Carrefour" where the football team proved itself as professionals and well-prepared force with which to be reckoned.
In 1992, Yvans joined the American Red Cross as a Volunteer and from 1993-1998 he became the chairperson for the Disaster Service Volunteers for the Brooklyn Chapter. Yvans' goal is to lead effectively by serving the community with honesty, dignity, and by using his knowledge, skills and experiences for the betterment of the community he serves.
Yvans holds a Bachelor's degree in Professional Studies from Metropolitan College of New York (Audrey Cohen School of Human Services).
Prior to graduation, he co-founded the Haitian American Business Network which, is developed as a division of HAAPA, INC dedicated to promoting higher business standards and better business methods as well as fostering trade and commerce in the community.
On November 2004, Yvans participated along with a delegation from New York to assess and assist the flood victims in Gonaives, Haiti after Hurricane Jeanne.
In 2005, Yvans moved from New York to South Florida. He now resides in Miami and works as a Community Advocacy Liaison for Miami Dade County Office of Community Advocacy Board of County Commissioners Office of the Chair.
Director of the Miami-Dade County Goodwill Ambassadors’ Program, which, is designed to intervene and contain as quickly as possible community tensions, by providing support and manage crowd control at major special events demonstrations and rallies. The Goodwill Ambassador Program is the National Association of Counties Achievement Award 2004 Winner as well as the ASPA Advocacy Award in June 2018.
Yvans Morisseau served as volunteer of the American Red-Cross in Greater Miami and the keys and continues to assist in the community wherever duty calls from 1992- 2012. In 2007 he received the president volunteer award for serving more than 2000 hours in two years. Works in partnership with American Red cross NAACP and Miami Dade County Office of Community Advocacy to implement a Disaster Preparedness plan for the Haitian American community and the Disadvantaged Communities of Florida.
Yvans Morisseau was invited by the Prime Minister of the Beautiful Island of St. Lucia to be Guest speaker for the International Day of Volunteers on December 5th of 2018
In 2008 Yvans Morisseau assisted the office of Mayor Jason in Port-au-Prince by training 200 volunteers in crowd control.
He participated in the 2009 carnival festivities as a goodwill ambassador providing assistance to injured in collaboration with Protection Civile in port Au-Prince and USICAN (Unite de Secours et d ’Intervention en cas de Catastrophe Naturelle. 893 people received first aid assistance as a result only one death was registered during the three days of festivities.
Horizon Vert Naturals Haiti-USA Logistics and Marketing Director Promoting Products of Haiti since 2013.
As an active Member of the Haitian American Grassroots Coalition, Miami
Yvans Morisseau is Chairman of the Haitian American Emergency Relief Committee
A member of United Front of the Haitian Diaspora Disaster Relief Committee
Recipient of the American Society for Public Administrators Community Advocacy Award 2018
Frantzy Pierre-Louis was born and raised in Haiti. Migrated to the United Sates at the age of 18. After 2 1/2 years of college in which Mr. Pierre-Louis studied Computer Science and International Business at The College of Staten Island and Borough of Manhattan Community College, Mr. Pierre-Louis joined the US Navy. He then transitioned to the US Army 6 years later, and is currently serving in the New York Army National Guard. Mr. Pierre-Louis is a law enforcer, currently working for the New York City Police Department for 14 years. Mr. Pierre-Louis is the founder and President of ORADE (Organisation d’Aide Au Developpement Des Enfants), (Organization for the Development of Children), a not-for-profit organization which mission is to coach young children to become professional soccer players, and providing free academic education.
Roberto Samedy is the Executive Director of BHRAGS Homecare Corporation. He leads a team of 800 dedicated workers striving to provide superior service to their clients across the five boroughs in New York City and Nassau County.Mr. Samedy has a passion for helping people in all aspects of homecare and considers himself an advocate for his clients. He was promoted from Director of Fiscal Operations to his current position after successfully turning around the finance department and improving the company's collection by an additional $1.5 million in revenue.
Mr. Samedy holds a degree in Finance and a second degree in Accounting. He previously worked in Finance at SUNY Downstate. He also served on the Board of Directors at BHRAGS Homecare Corporation. Mr. Samedy hopes to continue the growth and expansion of the company after moving into their new state-of-the-art facility, increasing their census, and offering licensing in HHA, CNA, and LPN to the community. Mr. Samedy is passionate about his faith and family. He enjoys golfing and physical activities outdoors.
Margarette D. Tropnas, MSW is a Haitian Community Activist, a Licensed Social Worker. She will begin her new assignment as Field Advisor at Silberman School of Social Work, beginning in January 2015. Margarette was named Extraordinary Woman of 2010 (as per Brooklyn DA, Charles Hynes); as well as one of 100 Haitian Women of Distinction. Margarette is the recipient of the Medgar Evers Community Service Leadership Award for her commitment to serving youth in the community and beyond, Women Celebrating Women Award, Proclamation Award from City Council of NYC, Distinguished Service Award from NYS Office of Children and Family Services, Regional Office, Certificate of Appreciation for devoted service and dedication to the community by the Police Department City of NY & numerous other Awards.
Margarette graduated from SUNY, Stony Brook, where she was awarded a BS in Psychology, in 1983. In 1989, she earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University. In 2011, she completed a five Month Management Certificate, NY-Haitian Leaders’ Fellows Program with the Jewish Community Relations Council Organization and the Executive Education Certificate at Fordham University Center for Nonprofit Leaders, in April 2010. Margarette was named Field Instructor of the year in 2011 by Long Island University and in 2010 by NYACK College.
Since entering the field of social work, Margarette has been active in issues pertaining to the Caribbean Community at large, including the advancement of multiculturalism in neighborhood schools and ready access by Creole Speakers in social service delivery. Margarette has served as Coordinator of the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program. As part of her commitment to adolescents’ issues, Margarette has volunteered for two years as Community Liaison in the Governor’s Youth Conference in Albany, New York.
Margarette is a former Local employee with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) where she had helped with the recovery of many communities impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Margarette has volunteered with United Way of New York City, City Council Sandy Relief Efforts, Transit Forward Coalition and United Neighborhood Services (UNS) providing relief efforts to those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Margarette worked as the Program Director at Episcopal Community Services (ECS) Preventive Services Program. A well-established multi-service agency providing services to families and children since 1918. ECS dedicated staff composed of professionals trained in Social Work and related human services fields. Under her leadership, staff had provided an array of culturally sensitive and highly effective services to immigrant families and individuals whose need varied from mental health issues to families affected by substance abuse and child abuse and neglect. ECS had continuously expanded its range of services and involvement in the surrounding neighborhoods while working to help families improve their lives. Margarette was the Executive Director of Dwa Fanm (Women’s Rights in Haitian Creole), a grass-root organization committed to empowering women and young girls to become self-sufficient. Margarette is the former Assistant Executive Director of the Flatbush Haitian Center (FHC), a community-based, non-profit organization which had served the Flatbush and East Flatbush neighborhoods of Brooklyn for twenty-six years; working collaboratively with other service providers in the community to help families improve their lives. Margarette worked at FHC for twenty years providing various services to the Caribbean community. She is a former Associate Adjunct Professor at New York University’s School of Social Work. Margarette has earned her certification in such areas as Leadership Practices, finance, fund-raising, board development and cultural diversity, field work instructions, substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect prevention, stress management, parenting skills, HIV/AIDS, adolescent pregnancy prevention and Disaster Preparedness training, while working for FEMA assisting Hurricane Sandy survivors.
At present, Margarette serves on several Community Boards and is a Board Member of United Nations Association Brooklyn Chapter. She is the Board President of Social Tap, Inc. /The Haiti Initiative, a non-profit based in New York and Jacmel, Haiti. Margarette Directed for ten years, the New Hope Outreach Shelter Ministry at The Brooklyn Tabernacle providing men and women at shelters inspirational messages that offer them hope, motivation and personal growth. Margarette’s professional experience and organizational skills all blend together to form the basis of her commitment to family, friends and the community at large.
Sherbune Paul is an associate in the Transportation Practice Group at Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP. Her practice focuses on transportation related matters including litigation, regulation, policy, technology, civil and administrative law. Prior to joining Windels Marx, Sher was the Supervising Attorney of the Appeals, Recruitment, Training and Seizures Unit at the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission. Sher is a zealous advocate who started her career as a prosecutor at the Administration for Children’s Services where she handled cases of child abuse and neglect from inception to trial. Sher earned her J.D. in 2016 from New York Law School (NYLS) and her Bachelor's in 2012 from Stony Brook University. Sher is admitted to practice in New York and pending admission in October 2022 for the Supreme Court of the United States.Sher is a first-generation professional who is passionate about using her advocacy skills to serve the community. She is the President of the Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York, Inc., Secretary of Little Haiti BK and serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Black Women Attorney and the New York Law School Alumni Association. Sher is also the Secretary of the New York City Bar Association's Transportation Law Committee. In 2021, Sher was named to City & State NY's 40 Under 40 List for New York City recognizing the next generation of rising stars in city politics.
ADMINISTRATION
Jackson Rockingster is President and CEO of HABNET Chamber of Commerce, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support and promote entrepreneurship in underserved immigrant communities. HABNET provides Business Education and Financial Literacy and a platform for member businesses to network and collaborate. Mr. Rockingster is responsible for creating and implementing Entrepreneurial Programs, Job Readiness and Development Programs, Neighborhood Development Programs and other programs. Mr. Rockingster is also a Community Activist, a Financial Professional and an Educator. From 2004 to 2009, Mr. Rockingster served as Chairman of HAAPA-PAC, the longest existing Haitian-American PAC in New York State. As a Financial Professional, Mr. Rockingster attained the Registered Representative Series 7 and 63 Licenses as a as well as the New York State Insurance Broker License, and presided over the LEEFT Investment Club. As an Educator Mr. Rockingster holds the professional designation of New York State School Administrator and Supervisor (SAS) and School District Administrator (SDA).Mr. Rockingster’s academic background consists of a B.B.A. in Finance and Investments and a B.A. in History from Baruch College; as well as a triple graduate degree in History, Social Science Education, and Educational Administration from New York University.
Mr. Jackson Rockingster is an Adjunct Professor in the MPA program at Metropolitan College of New York in which he teaches Budget and Financial Management, as well as Human Resources Management. Mr. Rockingster currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Flatbush-Nostrand Junction Business Improvement District; serves on the board of the Flatbush YMCA; serves on the board of BHRAGS; and is a co-founder of Little Haiti Bk. Mr. Rockingster also serve as a County Committee Member of the 42nd Assembly District.
Osmarc Gaspard, EA is the Treasurer for HABNET. Mr. Osmarc is a Financial Professional and has been an Enrolled Agent (EA) since 2007. This professional designation enables him to represent clients in cases involving the IRS. He studied accounting at Saint Thomas of Aquinas College and established his tax preparation and accounting service in 2008. He has been a valuable member of HABNET since 2006.ADVISORY BOARD
Hassan Bakiriddin is currently a Board Member of Community Board #17; President of the Schenectady Avenue Block Association; President Of Political Power through Organizing; Member of the Community Volunteer Corp (through Councilman Jumaane Williams office); Member of the Youth Anti-Violence Initiative through Councilman Jumaane Williams Office; Co-Chairman of the Public Safety Committee for Community Board #17; and Co-Director of the Civilian Observation Patrol Of East Flatbush.
Hassan Bakiriddin also serves as the Treasurer for the 67th Precinct Community Council; Board Member for Wyckoff House; Steering Committee Board Member for Participatory Budgeting; Advisory Board Member for East Flatbush Village, New York Cares, Junior Achievement and other various organizations as well.
Hassan Bakiriddin works tirelessly in the pursuit, of a better Community in East Flatbush, Harlem USA, Queens New York and the Bronx. Throughout his life Hassan Bakiriddin has loved and enjoyed community work and has always given 100% looking for creative ways to improve the community.
Hassan is currently working as a Business Development Executive at Incisive Media Inc. North America office in New York City. He works in the Business Development sales team to drive sales in the US, Asia, Europe, South America, Africa, and is central to Incisive Media’s growth in the U.S. Hassan establishes relationships with clients to better understand their business needs. Hassan Bakiriddin has earned the distinguished honor of being “Sales Person of the Year” at Incisive Media in 2016.
Prior to his role at Incisive Media, Hassan has worked in publishing companies i.e. Elsevier, John Wiley, Procurement Leaders, and Institutional Investor just to name a few. During Hassan Bakiriddin tenure in publishing he was extremely active in community work.
Hassan is a graduate of John Jay College of criminal justice with a B.A. degree in legal studies. Hassan Bakiriddin resides in Brooklyn, New York.
Fritz Clairvil, MS is the Senior Advisor of HABNET Chamber of Commerce. He was born in Haiti and has been living in the United States since 1974. Mr. Clairvil attended George Marc College in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He earned a Bachelor degree from NYC University of New York and continued on to earn his Master of Science in Organizational Management at Mercy College of Dobbs Ferry, New York. Mr. Clairvil worked in different fields with manifold responsibilities; among them Chemical Bank in Wall Street for five years as a Supervisor in a department that dealt with "Trusts and Investments". Mr. Clairvil is currently President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vest Net Capital; a New York City based company founded ten years ago by Mr. Clairvil. Vest Net Capital is a real estate and investment company with the mission to buy and renovate moderately priced residential and commercial properties for resale. He has assembled a dynamic team of professionals with a strong foundation in ethics and customer satisfaction. Similarly, Mr. Clairvil has been the principal of a real estate brokerage firm, OPTIMUM REALTY & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CORP; a New York State licensed company, doing business in the areas of sales, purchases and development.Recently, the company has taken on a number of development projects in Haiti. A swift list of clients included: The Belle Rive Project in Jacmel, a twenty-four acres of hotels and resorts as well as condominiums and the Serenity Aqua Resorts in Petit Goave, Haiti. Recently Mr. Clairvil has teamed up with Rodney Leon, the famed architect for the African Burial in New York City, to develop a 50 condominium unit in the affluent neighborhood of Chelsea in New York City. He is presently working as a consultant in a three hundred fifty million dollars HIP HOP MUSEUM project in the Bronx, New York.
In October of 2007, Mr. Clairvil traveled to Port-au-Prince, Haiti together with the top management of SIMACT, to gather support for the Belle-Rive project. The meeting was held with five (5) cabinet ministers and several elected officials (Senators, Deputies) and the Mayor from Jacmel. The meeting was the first of its kind in Haiti. The intent was to create an atmosphere of collaboration in a sphere of partnership with the private sector and the Haitian government. During the same trip, Clairvil deemed it necessary to engage the local banks to discuss a possible joint venture to launch this unprecedented project resort hotel in Jacmel. These two successful meetings showed Mr. Clairvil’s keen ability to bring people together for a common cause, as well as his polished negotiation skills. In addition to being a respectable and savvy businessman, Mr. Clairvil’s has a long standing community record in participating in community issues. In that, he has co-founded and governed on the board of many community-based organizations (CBOs) such as HAAPA, HABNET, 18 Mai Committee and the Consortium for Haitian Empowerment (CHE). Mr. Clairvil was instrumental in the campaign to bring about the first Haitian-American elected to the New York City Council. Mr. Clairvil is the host of weekly radio shows on Radio Tropicale Internationale, Radio Pa nou and Radio Optimum.
Mr. Clairvil worked with several Community Based Organizations dedicated to serve the Haitian Diaspora and Haiti. In 2000, he joined with other members of the Haitian Community to form Haitian American Census 2000 Task Force. The latter worked in partnership with the Department of Commerce of the United States to educate the community about the importance of the census. Mr. Clairvil is a very well respected businessman in the Caribbean community and has proved to be, over the past twenty-four years, a consensus builder.
James Sanon, MPA is a first generation Haitian American. James Sanon has spent all his whole life in Brooklyn. He was raise, educated and served is Brooklyn community. Mr. Sanon has a Masters in Public Administration and Bachelors in Television and Radio from City University of New York at Brooklyn College.
Mr. Sanon has over ten years of Broadcast television experience in the tri-state area. He has won a New York Emmy and other awards. He also heads the training video unit within New York City Transit. He has also been involved in event videography. He is the owner of his own media production company Frame by Frame Moments. His company produces wedding videos, seminars talk shows and many more.
From a very young age Mr. Sanon understood the importance of giving back to his community. While in high school he was the president of the 67th Precinct Youth Council. In college, he was the Vice President of the undergraduate CLAS Student Government at Brooklyn College the treasurer of the Graduate Student Government. Mr. Sanon has long history of being politically engaged in the political races in the city. His first citywide race was Rev. Al Sharpton for Mayor in 1997, Kevin Parker for City Council in 2001, Jumaane Williams for City Council in 2009 and many more.
Mr. Sanon is committed to seeing that the Haitian community is Educated, Participates, Elevates and are Empowered in the Diaspora and that’s why he serves on the board of HABNET.