Berkeley College Foundation announced on Wednesday that Nico Caraballo, a resident of Linden and the founder of Nicasio & Co. Horology, has joined its board of directors. The appointment was approved in May 2025. Caraballo brings over 25 years of extensive experience in nonprofit management, fundraising and program development to the Foundation.
Caraballo’s background is deeply rooted in public service. He most recently served as chief development officer for the Ironbound Community Corporation, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents in Newark’s East Ward. His experience also includes leadership roles at the Office of Special Education at Newark Public Schools, the national music education nonprofit Little Kids Rock, and Catchafire, a platform for skills-based volunteering.
“Service to the community is something that is part of my DNA,” Caraballo said. “I look forward to using my experiences in the nonprofit world to help the Berkeley College Foundation and overall community by acquiring more resources to fund even more scholarships.”
The Berkeley College Foundation, since its inaugural Scholarship Awards Dinner in 2017, has awarded nearly $274,000 in scholarships to 75 students with academic merit and financial need.
Ellen Zitis, executive director of the Berkeley College Foundation, praised Caraballo’s addition.
“Nico’s passion and commitment to the nonprofit sector is truly impressive,” she said. “His expertise in fundraising, grant procurement, and strategic planning, as well as his enthusiasm, will benefit the Berkeley College Foundation, and we are delighted to have him on board.”
Caraballo’s recent venture, Nicasio & Co. Horology, is a luxury watch company with a social impact focus, contributing a portion of its proceeds to nonprofit organizations, further demonstrating his philanthropic commitment.
