Nonprofit Power Players

As CEO of Rising Ground since 2009, Alan has more than doubled the nonprofit’s size, offering 101 programs at 138 sites for New York children, adults, and families. In 2023, Rising Ground acquired services from Sheltering Arms, adding 500+ employees, bringing the organization’s budget to $187 million with 2,000 staff. Alan is vice chair of the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA), serving on its board and as vice chair, Downstate, and chair, Steering Committee.

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
Unlike becoming a doctor or lawyer there did not appear to be a straightforward career path for leaders in nonprofit human services. I have been inspired by many colleagues and examples of effective programs and practices that have propelled me forward. A desire for fairness has been the underpinning of my career.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
The proudest moments are those that have inched Rising Ground to its current position where it has such a significant positive impact on the lives of so many New Yorkers, specifically assisting many of our area’s most marginalized neighbors – poor people, people of color, individuals with mental health challenges and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities, members of the LGBTQAI+ community, survivors of intimate partner violence, new immigrants, and more

What policy changes could be made to aid in your work within the nonprofit sector?
Nothing makes more clear the degree to which the people we support, the work we do, and the people who do the work are undervalued in our society than the way our contracts with the government are so poorly funded and executed. This includes time of payment, bureaucratic delays, and so on. Wholescale reform of this business relationship would be the single greatest help to our work and to our ability to assist the people we serve.

Msgr. Greg is the founding CEO of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. Established in 2018, the foundation supports programs throughout New York State that provide either direct care or address the social determinants of health. Msgr. Greg previously led the day-to-day operations of the Archdiocese of New York as the vicar general and chancellor. He holds a law degree from St. John’s University and advanced canon law and theological degrees from Rome.

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
I am inspired and motivated by the example of Mother Cabrini, who worked tirelessly toward social justice and dedicated her life in service to the poor. It’s a privilege for me to run a Foundation dedicated to advancing her legacy by supporting initiatives that improve the health and well-being of vulnerable New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of diverse communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
I have been humbled and blessed to serve others as a priest, regardless of my professional responsibilities throughout my multifaceted career. In my role as foundation CEO, I am also proud to have the opportunity to work with so many dedicated philanthropic, religious, business, and political leaders; talented professionals, and other selfless individuals who share the goal of building a brighter future for generations of New Yorkers regardless of faith.

What policy changes could be made to aid in your work within the nonprofit sector?
Putting specific policies aside, our foundation believes in the dignity and value of all people. Following the example of Mother Cabrini, we support changes benefitting those otherwise marginalized by society. Specifically, we are focused on helping advance comprehensive access to health care, address the basic needs of New Yorkers, support the development of a skilled and diverse health care workforce, and tackle the mental and behavioral health issues that are essential elements of overall health.

Mitchell Netburn is president and CEO of Samaritan Daytop Village, a pioneering nonprofit that provides behavioral health services and housing to over 33,000 clients annually at 100 locations in NYC and surrounding counties. For over 35 years, as first deputy commissioner at the NYC Department of Homeless Services, chief of staff to the NYC Deputy Mayor for Human Services, and an executive at other leading nonprofits, he has strived to help the most vulnerable populations.

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
While growing up in NYC, my parents taught me by example to help people who were less fortunate than us. Working in the HIV/AIDS field in the 1980s and 90s further showed me that discrimination, socio-economic class, and racial injustice were tremendous factors affecting the health and well-being of so many people that highly motivated me to help address them.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Becoming the President and CEO of Samaritan Daytop Village because it offered me the incredible opportunity to provide leadership to an agency that helps so many people help themselves.

What policy changes could be made to aid in your work within the nonprofit sector?
Health and human service workers in the nonprofit sector are tremendously underpaid, which leads to turnover and high vacancy rates. This in turn affects our clients. As most nonprofits receive the vast majority of their funds from the government sector, it is imperative that all levels of government provide increased funds to raise wages.

Lisette Nieves is the president of the Fund for the City of New York (FCNY), an institution charged with developing and supporting the implementation of innovations that advance the functioning of government and nonprofits in NYC and beyond. She is also a distinguished clinical professor in leadership and innovation at NYU in the doctoral program she co-founded. Lisette has held senior leadership positions in municipal and federal government and is a published policy expert on youth workforce and education.

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
My incredible working-class Boricua parents modeled helping others and taking action when needed. In the late 1970s, my parents were part of a group of tenants that organized a rent strike as a protest to the landlord’s poor management of our building. My parents’ actions taught me that you can always help and serve others and in solidarity one gains strength. The key is that you must have the courage to take action against injustice.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Whenever I have been able to create opportunities, I have flourished. In 2005 I founded Year Up NYC. Creating partnerships between higher education, nonprofits and 26 different corporate partners on Wall Street all in service to providing 18 to 24-year-olds with the opportunity to work and learn was amazing. Lives were changed and bright futures were created by the young adults who seized the apprenticeship opportunities and then found full-time careers in mid-level job opportunities.

What policy changes could be made to aid in your work within the nonprofit sector?
Municipal contract reform (happening now) is critical to nonprofit providers who are doing the human service work that keeps our city functioning. Being paid on time and understanding the administrative overhead needs of nonprofits is key to the nonprofit sector. Also, I would like to see increased incentives for different municipal and state granting models that encourage innovative approaches to addressing the city’s challenges. Experimentation is critical to innovation and should remain a policy priority.

Ana Oliveira’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those in greatest need enabled The New York Women’s Foundation to increase grantmaking from $1.7 million to $11 million annually to benefit over six million women and girls across NYC. Throughout her career, Ana has been a thought leader on issues of social and economic inequity, gender, and criminal justice, leading cross-sectoral partnerships to advance women’s issues and serving on the Independent Commission to study Criminal Justice Reform in NYC.

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
Nonprofit work is service, a value deeply ingrained by my parents. In New York, this value found resonance in the generosity and determination of women leaders who inspired me and who continue to serve as my guiding light. I see nonprofit work as a continuous journey of growth and discovery, where we learn from the diversity and richness of the communities and their stories and experiences.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
I am proudest when The New York Women’s Foundation expands our trust-based philanthropic practices to create collaborations across movements, sectors, New York, and the country. I am proudest when our donor and grantee partners see what they are achieving together to build women’s power and influence. I am proudest when we acknowledge and honor the power of women moving the world forward together.

What policy changes could be made to aid in your work within the nonprofit sector?
We want a world where everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or disability status. This can be achieved when we have policies that uplift the voices of women, girls, and gender-diverse people. This means enacting an expanded version of the Equal Rights Amendment to protect the rights of LGBTQIA and disabled people and having policies that ensure economic security and opportunity for all, such as universal childcare, health care, and education.

Perry Perlmutter is president and chief executive officer of Services for the UnderServed’s (S:US). Perry has held the role of chief financial officer since April 2016. He brings a wealth of experience in finance and accounting from a 30-year career. In 2023, Perry was recognized by City & State as a Nonprofit Power 100 Honoree. The list recognizes the most notable nonprofit leaders who are strengthening the safety net and serving the most vulnerable in New York.

A 25-year veteran of advocacy and politics, Katharine Pichardo-Erskine is now executive director of Latino Victory, a national organization focused on expanding political power within the Latino community. After a long tenure in government, she previously served as senior vice president at MirRam Group, one of New York’s premier government affairs firms, and as president of Hamilton Campaign Network. Throughout her career, Katharine has worked with stakeholders nationally to help deliver landmark victories in historic races.

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
The fact is that while Latinos represent roughly 18 percent of the U.S. population, we only occupy about two percent of the nation’s elected offices. This is a disparity that must be addressed because equal representation is not just about having a seat at the table, it is making sure that our values are reflected in the policies that drive our country forward. Protecting our democracy is a mission I can wholeheartedly get behind.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
There are a lot of milestones I am excited about – helping over 5,000 eligible immigrants, like me, to apply for US citizenship through the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO); registering and educating thousands voters to engage in our political process; passing landmark legislation as a chief of staff in the NYS Senate; and helping to elect a new class of leaders, particularly women of color, to public office – these are just but a few proud victories.

What policy changes could be made to aid in your work within the nonprofit sector?
Nonprofits have always led the way in organizing, mobilizing, and creating spaces for communities to be empowered, in addition to advancing education campaigns to ensure an informed public. However, there is a tremendous funding gap – to the point of disinvestment – in support for policy work and movement-building by Black, brown and indigenous-led organizations. It is imperative that public funding be directed to reach beyond program and service work to drive systemic change.

Seth Pinsky leads The 92nd Street Y (92NY), an organization that, most famously, programs talks with prominent public figures and presents world-class performances. It also offers music classes, a nursery school, houses The Center for Jewish Life, and more, making it the community center at the center of the world. Pinsky is now spearheading a $200 million development plan for 92NY’s 150th anniversary in 2024. Previously, he worked in the Bloomberg administration and was president of the Economic Development Corporation.

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
I’ve always been drawn to a career in public service, whether that means working for government or in nonprofit capacities. The 92nd Street Y, New York has obviously had an enduring impact on the cultural and civic life of New York City for nearly 150 years, and I’m honored to serve as its steward. This is one of New York’s leading institutions, and my mission is to set it up for its next 150 years.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
One of my proudest moments during my tenure at 92NY has been overseeing the overhaul of Buttenwieser Hall — which played a historic role in the development of Modern dance — into a state-of-the-art performance venue with retractable telescopic seating that can accommodate up to 250 people. We even conserved a fantastic ceiling mural painted in 1930 by Vincent Maragliotti. So we preserved the past while moving the space into the future.

What policy changes could be made to aid in your work within the nonprofit sector?
I’d like to see more public–private partnerships that help us build the capacity to reach more New Yorkers with the arts. For nearly 150 years, we have served a growing population beyond the Upper East Side and we are making strides to have a deeper impact through our in-school programs, which deliver arts education to K-12 students and their teachers throughout the five boroughs. Partnering with other institutions is a great way to make that happen.

Christine C. Quinn is president and CEO of Win (formerly Women in Need), the largest shelter and supportive services provider for New York City’s families experiencing homelessness. Under her leadership, Win runs 14 shelters and over 400 permanent supportive housing units, giving thousands the support they need to break the cycle of homelessness. Win has also been and continues to be a leading advocate for sustainable and humane solutions to New York’s migrant crisis.

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in public service that impacted my community — whether via a government role or the nonprofit sector. This aspiration came from my mother, who was a Catholic Charity social worker before having children. She always spoke about how she loved her job because it provided her with the opportunity to help others. The difference she made was an inspiration and showed me what it means to give back.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
The proudest moment of my career was when I was a staff member to former New York State Senator Tom Duane. During that time, I worked with a huge coalition to prevent former Mayor Giuliani from dismantling the Division of AIDS Service. That same strategy I used at the beginning of my career is the one I’ve used to help protect the Right to Shelter law today.

What policy changes could be made to aid in your work within the nonprofit sector?
Win has housed 270 migrant families – including 700 children – providing them shelter, food, and clothing. It would greatly aid homeless services providers if the city expanded housing voucher eligibility to include new arrivals. Win and New York Immigration Coalition recently published a report that showed housing voucher expansion would save the city $3 billion a year, increase shelter capacity, and be a monumental step toward ending the migrant crisis.

Peggy Rajski is an Oscar-winning filmmaker and founder of the groundbreaking nonprofit The Trevor Project. Rajski won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short for directing the short film Trevor (1994), a poignant comedy about a young teen whose world is turned upside down when word spreads at school that he might be gay. Her experience with the film led her to create The Trevor Project, America’s first 24/7 suicide prevention service dedicated to LGBTQ young people.  

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector? 
In 1998, producer Randy Stone and I partnered with HBO and Ellen Degeneres for a broadcast of my Oscar-winning short film Trevor. Someone suggested adding a suicide hotline number after the film, and I was stunned to discover that there wasn’t a dedicated  24/7 hotline anywhere for LGBTQ+ youth to call for support. In response, our own scrappy team launched one–the nation’s first! I’ve dedicated myself to the mission of The Trevor Project ever since.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
You’d think it’d be winning the Oscar! But what I’m proudest of is actually what grew out of it: founding The Trevor Project. Those two events are inextricably linked and represent the best of what I  offer as a filmmaker, an ally, a leader, and a human being. When I directed Trevor over 25 years ago, I never imagined it would birth a life-saving resource for LGBTQ+ youth. Being back now as the Interim CEO is truly gratifying…and a slightly surreal ‘full-circle’ moment!

What policy changes could be made to aid in your work within the nonprofit sector? 
It’s crucial that all LGBTQ+ youth have access to life-saving resources. Given they are at least 4x as likely to attempt suicide, the loss of these precious lives is a public health crisis. Trevor advocates for legislation widening access to mental health services. Our resulting partnership with 988’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline means whenever LGBTQ+ youth dial 988, they can be routed to a Trevor-trained counselor. Thanks to government support, we doubled our reach last year to 500,000 contacts from young people in crisis.