2024 Nonprofit Power Players

As CEO of Partnership with Children, Wesner Pierre leads the 116-year-old organization in bolstering youth mental health and strengthening children’s emotional, social, and cognitive skills across New York City. Beyond PWC, Pierre serves on the NYC Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services Advisory Council (MONS). He is an adjunct professor at the CUNY School of Professional Studies, Masters in Youth Studies Program. He is an Aspen fellow and an American Express Leadership Academy alumnus.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
In my career, I get to pay it forward and do good in the world. I grew up in South Jamaica, Queens, where so many families were facing structural inequities and often felt that they just couldn’t get ahead. Today, I get to pay it forward, helping our young people in ways that the caring adults in my life helped me. 

How can policymakers support your organization?
We need policies that recognize the severity of the youth mental health crisis and put in motion intentional dollars and initiatives that support our young people during this pivotal moment. As a nonprofit, we also value having real partners in this work. The way we can achieve substantive change and transform our communities is when the public, private, and nonprofit sectors work together.  

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
After 20 years in our old offices, PWC relocated our headquarters to One Battery Park Plaza. The new office includes a training room, more collaborative spaces, and a Wellness Room to ensure our organizational values are put into practice. With the new space, PWC can serve as a convener, hosting events to build community and amplify impact. The move is not only a sign of positive growth but represents a window of limitless possibility.

Seth Pinsky joined 92NY as CEO in January 2020. In his role, Pinsky has overseen an institutional rebranding, the roll-out and implementation of a $200 million master redevelopment plan and the renewal and reimagination of 92NY’s programming across its many departments. Pinsky was previously an EVP at RXR Realty, president of the New York City Economic Development Corporation and an advisor to Mayor Bloomberg’s administration.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
Recent national elections have made clear that Americans across the political spectrum are dissatisfied with the direction of the country and their personal lives. Among the causes are twin crises of aimlessness and a fraying of our social fabric. It is rewarding to be working at an organization that, for 150 years, has modeled how to address these crises, enriching individual lives and bringing people together through our programming here in New York and online.

How can policymakers support your organization?
New York is still rebounding coming out of the pandemic, with population, commuter and tourism numbers down. At this time, it is particularly critical for the public sector to invest in our cultural organizations, to help them successfully navigate what are still choppy seas and to reinforce the health and well-being of a sector that is an important part of the “magnetic infrastructure” that attracts talent to the City and fuels the City’s economic well-being.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
2024 was a year of important beginnings and endings for 92NY. In the first half, we wrapped a 15-month celebration of our 150th anniversary, which included exciting commissions, groundbreaking performances and new programming across much of the institution. More recently, we broke ground on the third phase of our master redevelopment plan for our campus – a $90 million investment in our physical plant that will transform the experience of everyone who joins us in person.

Clare Reichenbach is the CEO of the James Beard Foundation (JBF), the country’s preeminent culinary nonprofit dedicated to leading chefs and the broader culinary industry toward a new standard of excellence. As CEO, she directs the foundation’s strategic, programmatic, financial, and management operations. Reichenbach was previously EVP of strategy and business development at the BBC for over 10 years and also worked as a media strategy consultant to clients including New York Public Radio.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
It’s an appreciation that all our work, energy, and effort is going towards making the world a better place. At the James Beard Foundation, we aim to drive positive change for the independent restaurant industry – while supporting a community of chefs and restaurants we truly believe in. Also, working with passionate individuals committed to our mission of “good food for good” makes every day meaningful as we tackle the complex issues facing this vital industry. 

How can policymakers support your organization?
Policymakers can support independent restaurants and the millions they employ by taking decisive action on climate change, which threatens our industry. Nationwide, we are already seeing how rising temperatures and extreme weather events are devastating restaurants, from closures to rising ingredient costs. A core focus right now is our Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival Campaign. We’re urging federal and state leaders to champion policies that support regenerative agriculture, climate-mitigation practices, and resilience for independent restaurants.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
As mentioned, we launched a multi-year campaign to engage chefs and restaurant owners as climate advocates – raising awareness and pressing for federal action on climate change’s growing impact on independent restaurants. So far, we’ve mobilized a nationwide army of 800+ chefs, engaged federal policymakers, and inspired bipartisan support for climate-focused policies. We are fighting for a Farm Bill that includes conservation funding and protects the $20 billion for climate-smart agriculture from the Inflation Reduction Act.

Arva Rice is the president and CEO of the New York Urban League, leading the way underserved African Americans are educated, employed, and empowered in New York City. Arva has dedicated herself to creating pathways to success for young people. Arva is the former interim chair of the Civilian Complaint Review Board and a member of the Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services Nonprofit Advisory Council, Women’s Forum, and Greater NY Chapter of The Links Incorporated.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
Working in the nonprofit sector – particularly a civil rights organization – uniquely brings together government and the private sector to solve community problems. Meeting those needs requires business acumen, problem-solving, negotiation, and diplomacy. It is mission-driven, difficult, and ever so satisfying.  

How can policymakers support your organization?
Policymakers can work to improve the city and state contracting process, including the disbursement of funds and applications. They can also seek the input of people with lived experiences in requests for proposals and policy development and look for greater equity in contracting to larger and smaller nonprofits, neighborhood-based agencies, and citywide agencies.  

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
The New York Urban League is particularly proud of the broad coalition of other African-American serving organizations we brought together for Get Out the Vote efforts in Pennsylvania. We also continue to work in our core areas of education, employment, and advocacy. Through our annual Historically Black Colleges & Universities Fair, over 5,000 students connected with more than 40 schools; 1,707 students received onsite admissions;  1,000 scholars received scholarships totaling 11.7 million.

Alexander Roque, president and executive director of the Ali Forney Center (AFC), has expanded AFC’s budget from $3.5 million to $25 million, significantly increasing support for LGBTQ youth. He pioneered an integrated residential program addressing housing and mental health and launched an international model now in 22+ countries. Recognized as a top Hispanic leader and Elevate Prize Winner, Alex also serves on Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation board, advancing youth mental health worldwide.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
My favorite thing about working in nonprofits is the profound impact I get to make every single day. At the Ali Forney Center, every action, every decision, every conversation can directly uplift and support LGBTQ+ youth who need it most. Knowing that my work tangibly changes lives and strengthens our community fuels my passion and reminds me why this mission is so essential.

How can policymakers support your organization?
Policymakers have a profound impact on the Ali Forney Center by shaping the resources and protections available to LGBTQ+ youth. Through supportive policies, they can increase funding for housing, mental health, and health care services, while also fostering safer environments for youth nationwide. By advocating for inclusive, protective legislation, policymakers can help dismantle systemic barriers our youth face, enabling us to expand our reach and deepen our impact in truly transformative ways.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
Our biggest accomplishment in 2024 was the launch of our Residential Treatment Model addressing the trauma of family rejection in a comprehensive mental healthcare model within our housing programs. Residential treatment care is used in many different settings but has not been used in this way. Pioneering this new approach is a major accomplishment, one that I know will have a profound impact on the lives of the youth we work with.

Brenda Rosen joined Breaking Ground in 1999, where she helped establish a model of sustainable supportive housing, and has served as president and CEO since 2011. Brenda is board chair of the Supportive Housing Network of New York, on the boards of Homeless Services United and The Thinkubator, and an advisory member of the New York Housing Conference. She received her B.A. from Hunter College and holds a J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

Eric Rosenbaum is president and CEO of Project Renewal. Previously, Eric was COO of Win, Inc., an executive with Colgate-Palmolive, and consultancy Arthur D. Little. He serves on boards for the Center for the Business of Health at UNC Chapel Hill, Reconstructing Judaism, and Vital Strategies, and is the former president of Congregation Beit Simchat Torah. He has an M.S. in public health, MBA from UNC Chapel Hill, and B.A. in biology from UCLA.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
Bringing together people from different backgrounds who aspire to make New York a more equitable city. My colleagues inspire me every day by supporting people who have experienced homelessness, mental illness, substance use disorders, and criminal justice involvement to gain access to stable housing, quality health care, and dignified work at a living wage.

How can policymakers support your organization?
Mandating and funding a living wage for all front-line human service workers on City-funded contracts.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
Being in construction on four major projects to bring deeply affordable and supported housing, purpose-built shelter, and accessible healthcare to the Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.

As president and CEO of Parker Jewish Institute, Michael N. Rosenblut oversees executive leadership and strategic direction of this post-acute care organization. He is president and CEO of Queens-Long Island Renal Institute, a state-of-the-art dialysis center, at Parker.  He is a driving force in expanding access to healthcare for older adults. Mr. Rosenblut was instrumental in bringing Prine Vascular Access Center to Parker, now the only skilled-nursing facility with a vascular center for surgery onsite.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
The best part about nonprofit sector careers is the privilege to come to work each day and help better the lives of the people we serve, whether they are patients, residents, or their families. It is so inspiring to be surrounded by people who share that same motivation and dedication to help people achieve the very best level of health possible. We are always learning and growing and building relationships. It’s very rewarding, professionally.

How can policymakers support your organization?
Policymakers can support Parker by engaging regularly with our leaders. We are happy to provide insights that highlight the needs of those who are in our care, as well as those of our team members and our facilities. Open communication is especially important for skilled-nursing facilities, as we care for the region’s most vulnerable, older adults. Together, we can bridge health care gaps, improving the lives of our patients and residents, and bringing about meaningful change.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
This Election Day, Parker ensured that our patients and residents who are eligible voters could participate in the electoral process. Many are U.S. veterans who fought for our right to vote. As our veterans have protected our institutions in the past, Parker continues to protect all of their rights, including their right to vote. Election Day reminds us how important it is, year-round, that the voices of our community members are heard. 

Michael Royce leads a 30-person staff that provides artists and cultural workers with support, entrepreneurial tools, and resources for defining and achieving career success, bringing funding and professional development opportunities to creative communities that have distinguished NYFA as a national leader among arts service nonprofits. As CEO, Royce has worked to redirect NYFA towards equitable cultural representation, launching programs including the Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program and the Incubator for Executive Leaders of Color Program.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
I have worked in the private sector, government, and nonprofits. My experience has been rewarding in all but I do find that the people working in nonprofits have a sense of themselves, and their purpose in life that infuses the workforce with meaning, intentional collegiality, and an environment that encourages an openness to different personalities which, at least for me, makes each day something to look forward to – so bottom line it is the people.

How can policymakers support your organization?
The arts are vitally important to the health of communities large and small. They inspire, educate, and bring people together in ways that no other mediums can. And not only that, they are economic drivers. Policymakers can support NYFA’s work by recognizing the arts’ profound impact and advocating for arts funding that can in turn help us to provide individual artists and arts workers with support and career resources.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) engaged NYFA as one of two organizations to administer the Stabilization Program for Small Arts Organizations, a highly-successful pilot consultancy program that distributed $1M across New York State to help address operational issues that often stifle long-term planning and sustainability. 

Jody Rudin has over two decades of experience in the social services sector, working with nonprofits and in government. Before joining ICL, Rudin was the executive vice president and COO at Project Renewal. Rudin had a distinguished 12-year career at NYC Department of Homeless Services, culminating in serving as deputy commissioner. She led the transformation of outreach, resulting in a 40% decrease in the number of people sleeping on the streets from 2006 to 2011.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
Bearing witness to how ICL’s inspiring workforce supports the people we serve in transforming their lives. I’m grateful for the opportunity to nurture an organizational culture that is inclusive and kind. I strive to make ICL a place where everyone feels seen and valued for who they are and for the impact of their work. It’s gratifying to lead a mission-driven community that uplifts both our team and the people we serve.

How can policymakers support your organization?
We thank our government partners for supporting mental health services in New York and recognizing the link between stable housing and well-being. Yet, there is more to be done to address our community’s needs. By advancing whole-health policies and investing in mental health and housing services, we can treat the whole person and help individuals live healthy and fulfilling lives. Increased funding in housing subsidies and expediting the production of permanent supportive housing is key.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
This year, ICL launched two innovative programs that have never existed before: Health Connect, a groundbreaking behavioral health program that transforms supportive housing care, helping 200+ high-risk NYC residents with severe mental health challenges live independently. STEPS (Step-down Treatment Ensures Personal Success), a $2.3M pilot addressing mental health support gaps for New Yorkers with a step-down model for those ready for less intensive care, clearing waitlists for mobile treatment programs and enhancing participant support.