Contact:
Amanda Parker, Resource Development Manager
212-519-2552
Amanda_parker@nhsnyc.org
Release Date:
September 5, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHSNYC WELCOMES TONYA ORES AS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
[NEW YORK, NY] – Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (NHSNYC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tonya Ores as its new Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Ores, a distinguished leader in the field of affordable housing and community development, will assume her new role on November 4, 2024.
Ms. Ores brings over two decades of experience and a deep commitment to empowering communities through affordable housing initiatives. Prior to joining NHSNYC, she served as the CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services Brooklyn, Community Development Corporation, Inc. (NHS Brooklyn) where she led the organization in its mission to initiate, develop, and maintain programs designed to create affordable, decent, and safe housing and communities for Brooklyn residents.
From 2001 to 2016, Ms. Ores served as the Executive Director of NHS Brooklyn when it was a subsidiary of NHSNYC. In that role, Ms. Ores was pivotal in expanding the organization’s impact across the borough. Under her leadership, NHS Brooklyn became a vital resource for Brooklyn’s low- and moderate-income families seeking to achieve homeownership, access critical financial education, and preserve affordable housing in their communities. In 2016, following the organization’s separation from NHSNYC, Ms. Ores was appointed CEO of NHS Brooklyn under its own 501(c)3.
“We are honored to welcome Tonya back to NHSNYC,” said David S. Bagatelle, Board President of NHSNYC. “Her extensive experience, familiarity with our mission and work, and unwavering dedication to improving the quality of life for New York City’s residents through lasting homeownership make her the perfect leader to guide NHSNYC into its next chapter. We are confident that under her leadership, NHSNYC will continue to grow its impact and support New Yorkers in their pursuit of stable and sustainable housing.”
As CEO of NHSNYC, Ms. Ores will oversee the organization’s strategic direction, operations, and partnerships, ensuring that NHSNYC continues to be a leading force in addressing New York City’s housing challenges head-on. She will work closely with the Board of Directors, Advisory Board, staff, and community partners to advance NHSNYC’s mission of creating and preserving affordable housing opportunities, fostering financial empowerment, and revitalizing neighborhoods across the city.
“I am excited to join NHSNYC and build upon its strong legacy of service to New York City communities,” said Ms. Ores. “I look forward to working with the talented team at NHSNYC to continue our efforts in expanding homeownership opportunities, strengthening economic security, and creating vibrant, equitable neighborhoods for all New Yorkers.”
Tonya began her higher education at Medgar Evers College and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Phoenix in Jersey City. Born and raised in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, she has a deep-rooted connection to the community she serves. Over her 27 years of experience at NHS Brooklyn, she has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to affordable housing and community development. Her commitment to social justice and housing equity aligns seamlessly with NHSNYC’s mission, and the organization looks forward to her visionary leadership in the years to come.
“Tonya Ores’ appointment as CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City marks an exciting new chapter for the organization,” Maria Torres-Springer, New York City Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce, shared. “Her deep commitment to housing equity and her extensive experience in community development align perfectly with our goals to create more affordable housing opportunities across the city,” she continued. “Under her leadership, NHSNYC will continue to play a crucial role in helping New Yorkers achieve homeownership and secure the stability they deserve.”
“Many of us at NeighborWorks America have known Tonya Ores for more than 20 years and couldn’t be more thrilled for her and NHSNYC,” shared Joanie Straussman Brandon, Vice President of the Northeast Region for NeighborWorks America. She continued, “Tonya has the skill, the vision, the wisdom, and the commitment to lead NHSNYC to its next chapter. She brings excitement and energy to the role, as well as deep partnerships as she is so well respected throughout the affordable housing and community development field. But most of all, it’s everyday New Yorkers who dream of homeownership and other opportunities who will benefit from Tonya’s leadership and all NHSNYC has to offer. We are thrilled to have Tonya back in the NeighborWorks network family.”
NHSNYC expresses its gratitude to the Search and Transition Committee of the Board of Directors, chaired by Moses Gates, for volunteering their time and talents to oversee the executive search process and identify new leadership for the organization: Susan Cullen, Adam Dejak, Rebecca Gilman-Crimmins, and Michael King.
For more information, please contact Amanda Parker at 212-519-2552 or amanda_parker@nhsnyc.org.
About Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (NHSNYC):
Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (NHSNYC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating and preserving affordable housing opportunities for low-to-moderate-income individuals and families. Through a range of programs and services, NHSNYC empowers communities, promotes homeownership, and enhances the quality of life for residents across New York City. NHSNYC is a federally certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, and a chartered member of NeighborWorks America. For more information about NHSNYC, please visit www.nhsnyc.org.