Pronto Leadership

President and Chief Executive Officer

Keith Scott, MPP, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Pronto of Long Island, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families through programs that address basic needs and promote long-term self-sufficiency.

Before assuming his leadership at Pronto, Keith served as Vice President of Policy and Program Development for Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), where he led initiatives focused on strategic planning, program innovation, advocacy, and community engagement. His career in human services began in the substance abuse field, where he developed school-based wellness programs to reduce risk factors tied to substance misuse. Notably, he launched Long Island’s first “on-demand” Narcan distribution program, greatly expanding access to critical overdose prevention tools.

Keith has held several senior leadership positions, including at The Safe Center LI, a premier victim services agency. There, he directed community-based initiatives designed to challenge harmful social norms and champion policies that protect children and support survivors of abuse. His work has established him as a respected advisor on victims' rights and child protection issues.

In addition to his leadership at Pronto, Keith currently serves as Corporate Compliance Officer at the Hispanic Counseling Center, a community-based behavioral health clinic. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing quality assurance, compliance, and policy development to support ethical and effective service delivery.

Keith is also committed to education. He is an Adjunct Professor at both Hofstra University, where he teaches mental health courses to future medical professionals, and Long Island University, where he lectures on the dynamics of family violence in the Social Work program.

His work has been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2020 Long Island Business News 30 Under 30 Award, the LIU 40 Under 40 Award, the 2021 Stony Brook University 40 Under 40 Award, and the 2022 LIBN Corporate Social Responsibility Community Impact Award, and 2025 LIBN Corporate Citizenship Award for Non-Profit Impact.

Keith holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from Stony Brook University and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Long Island University. He resides in Centerport, NY, and previously served as a member of the Centerport Volunteer Fire Department.

Chief Operations Officer

Merlisa Fairley is a dynamic leader, author, and passionate advocate for equitable access to high-quality services for at-risk and underserved communities. With over 12 years of leadership experience spanning both the public and private sectors, she brings a powerful combination of strategic vision, operational expertise, and a heart for service to every space she enters.

Merlisa earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Monroe University, and holds an MBA in Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology, deepening her expertise in human behavior, emotional well-being, and mental health; further strengthening her ability to lead and serve with insight and compassion.

Her professional journey includes serving as Operations Director at Family Residences & Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), where she led critical programs under the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the Office of Mental Health (OMH). In that role, she championed support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness, and traumatic brain injuries.

Merlisa also served as the Employee Relations Business Partner in FREE’s Human Resources Department. There, she led professional development initiatives focused on empowering managers and supervisors to build high-performing, inclusive teams. She oversaw sensitive employee relations matters including discrimination and harassment investigations; and served as a policy expert across the organization.

A certified facilitator in Unconscious Bias Awareness through the Franklin Covey Institute, she also served as Chairwoman of FREE’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Council, where she led efforts to embed equity into workplace culture and organizational practices.

Currently, Merlisa serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Pronto of Long Island. In this role, she oversees the full spectrum of organizational operations, ensuring that programs, services, and internal systems function with excellence, efficiency, and compassion. She drives strategic planning, operational alignment, and cross-departmental collaboration to strengthen Pronto’s mission of providing essential resources, support, and advocacy for families and individuals facing economic hardship.

Merlisa leads all daily operational functions - including program oversight, compliance, staffing, workflow optimization, and resource management. She partners closely with the CEO, leadership team, and community stakeholders to identify service gaps, streamline processes, and implement sustainable solutions that expand Pronto’s impact. Her approach blends data-driven decision-making with a deep sensitivity to the lived experiences of the communities Pronto serves.

Under her leadership, Pronto continues to enhance its food distribution systems, community outreach efforts, emergency assistance programs, and warehouse operations - ensuring that services are delivered with dignity, timeliness, and equity. She is also instrumental in staff development, fostering a culture of accountability, empowerment, and compassionate service.

Her unwavering commitment to service, social justice, and emotional well-being makes her an invaluable asset to both the organization and the broader community. As both a scholar and practitioner, Merlisa is deeply aligned with missions that uplift, empower, and inspire individuals to live fuller, more joyful lives. Her leadership reflects a profound dedication to strengthening communities and transforming lives through action, advocacy, and humanity.