Categories: Member News
02.03.2026
Effective January 1, 2026, after nearly two decades of exemplary service and leadership, Frederick Shack has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of Urban Pathways and the Supportive Housing Network of New York’s board of directors, concluding a remarkable chapter for New York’s supportive housing community.
In 2005, Fred joined Urban Pathways, making the following 20 years a time of extraordinary expansion and development. Under Fred’s leadership, the organization nearly tripled in size and expanded its housing portfolio by almost 1,000 units of affordable and supportive housing. Ten residential buildings were developed and constructed across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, strengthening Urban Pathways’ role as a leading provider of permanent solutions to homelessness and restoring stability, dignity, and hope to thousands of New Yorkers.
“For many years, Fred has been deeply committed to advancing supportive housing and, most importantly, to the people we serve. He brought intelligence, compassion, and steady judgment to every challenge. That clarity of purpose earned him the trust of colleagues, partners, and residents alike,” said Ralph Fasano, Executive Director of Concern Housing and Network Board Treasurer, “Supportive housing in New York is stronger because of Fred’s leadership. His impact will continue to be felt long after his retirement, through the programs he strengthened, the standards he upheld, and the lives he helped improve.”
“Fred Shack is one of the most ethical and principled leaders in this city’s nonprofit community today. Throughout his 35+ year career in NYC homelessness and supporting housing he has been a tireless advocate for our residents, our staff, and our agency's stability,” said Jeannette K. Ruffins, Chief Executive Officer of Homeward NYC, “From the Tier II Coalition (now HSU) to the Non-Profit Resiliency Committee, to service on the Network, HSU and HSC Boards, to serving on the transition team for three mayors, Fred has been a leader we could always count on for thoughtful analysis, honest feedback, and a willingness to do the hard work. He has been a mentor, a colleague and a friend to so many in our community over the years. He will be greatly missed.”
Fred is also a senior adjunct professor at his alma mater, Columbia University School of Social Work, where he has taught homeless policy, mentoring students who will carry forward the work of advancing housing justice. Fred’s leadership shaped policy, elevated standards, and strengthened the entire human services sector.
Outside of his work with Urban Pathways, Fred consulted to the Board of Homeless Services United, the Board of the National Association of Social Workers New York State Chapter, the Mayor’s Supportive Housing Task Force, the Mayor’s Non-Profit Resiliency Committee, and as Co-Chair of the Human Services Recovery Taskforce. Additionally, Fred served as Co-Chair of the Nonprofit Advisory Council to the Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services and as a member of the Governor’s Not-For-Profit Contracting Advisory Committee. Fred also served as Treasurer of the Human Services Council and Vice Chair of the Network’s Board of Directors.
The Network would like to thank Fred’s dedication to the network and our board. For 15 years he helped guide advocacy and collaboration across our network.
“Fred has guided Urban Pathways through so much growth and strengthened its positioning as a leader in New York’s efforts to end homelessness. Fred wears so many hats: educator, mentor, thought leader, and a steady voice in city and state policy. We also mark the end of his 15 years of service on the Network’s Board including Executive Committee, where he has been a trusted advisor, a strategic partner, and a deeply valued colleague,” said Pascale Leone, Executive Director, the Network. “Fred, your leadership has always been both strategic and deeply human. Our Board, our members, and our staff are better for having worked alongside you. On behalf of the entire Network, we offer our profound thanks for your service, your mentorship, and your partnership.”
Fred Shack’s legacy lives on in the programs he advanced, the residences he helped develop, the policies that advanced housing rights, the leaders and students he has mentored, and in the lives he transformed through supportive housing. As he steps into his next chapter, the Network offers its profound thanks to Fred’s decades of service and wishes him a prosperous chapter ahead.