Categories: Member News
10.29.2014
The Supportive Housing Network of New York is delighted to announce that Laura D. Mascuch has been appointed to the position of Executive Director.
The Supportive Housing Network of New York is delighted to announce that Laura D. Mascuch has been appointed to the position of Executive Director. Ms. Mascuch has worked in and around supportive housing her entire professional life, having been one of the model's pioneers in the 90's, holding office at two key City agencies, and consulting with a number of providers on large-scale projects.
Ms. Mascuch began her career at Brooklyn Catholic Charities as the Director of Caring Communities, one of New York's first supportive housing developments, she also developed Mercy Gardens, handled tax credit syndications and managed the organization's growing supportive housing portfolio. From there, Ms. Mascuch held two posts at the Department of Homeless Services between 1993 and 1999, Director of SRO Housing and New Development Unit and Assistant Commissioner, Housing and Program Planning. From 1999 to 2002, Ms. Mascuch was the Department of Health Commissioner's Chief of Staff where she coordinated key policy initiatives with city agencies and elected officials. She also managed the agency's response to several unprecedented challenges including West Nile Virus, the September 11th terrorist and anthrax attacks.
Since 2003, Ms. Mascuch has run her own consulting firm, performing environmental health and community relations services for Con Edison and working with a number of the Network's providers on creating and implementing model projects. She helped Goddard Riverside Community Center design and coordinate the implementation of the Street to Home initiative, creating the Manhattan Outreach Consortium.
"Laura's years of experience in both the government and provider community fighting homelessness and providing permanent housing is a real strength," says Stephen Russo, Executive Director of Goddard Riverside Community Center. "I've had the pleasure of working in the trenches with her and know firsthand of her commitment and dedication."
Over four years, Ms. Mascuch worked closely with Center for Urban Community Services helping them operationalize a number of groundbreaking initiatives including the implementation of Wellness Self-Management programs at three correctional facilities and expanding the organization's training arm.
"I've known Laura for many years. Her experience working in government, with community groups and across sectors will be a great asset to the Network," says Tony Hannigan, Executive Director of Center for Urban Community Services.
"I first met Laura in the early 1990's when she opened Mercy Gardens in Brooklyn," says Kevin O'Connor, Executive Director of Joseph's House and Shelter. "She impressed me then as a creative and compassionate housing advocate. I look forward to working with her again in her new role."
"Laura is an outstanding selection to lead the Network during this exciting period," says Community Access Executive Director Steve Coe. "Her wealth of experience in housing development, analysis, program design, and public affairs offers a rare combination of skills that will be critical in managing our community's premier trade organization.
"I've known of Laura's great work since our days at the Department of Homeless Services," says Common Ground Executive Director Brenda Rosen. "She has extensive experience in government and the not-for-profit community and combines that with passion, creativity, and smarts. I am confident that Laura will take the Network to new heights."
For the past ten months, Ms. Mascuch has served as the Director of Manhattan Public Affairs and Government Relations for Con Edison. During her tenure there, she managed relationships with community stakeholders and elected officials and distributed over $600,000 to 80 nonprofits through Con Edison's philanthropic grant program.
Network Board Chair Bill Traylor adds: "We welcome Laura onboard and thank the staff for stepping up significantly during the last three months, showing themselves to be consummate professionals and extraordinary assets to the Network. We especially want to thank Nicole for her superb leadership at the helm during this period of transition."
Ms. Mascuch will officially start on December 1st. We hope you will join us in welcoming her in the meantime!