Board of Directors

Officers

Joseph S. Allerhand, Co-President 

Benjamin Tisch, Co-President

Richard Mack, Chair

Barry Bergman, Vice President

Stacy Scheinberg, Vice President

Linda Spitzer, Secretary

Scott M. Weiner, Treasurer

Merryl H. Tisch, Chair Emeritus

Joseph C. Shenker, Chair Emeritus

Steven Price, Chair Emeritus

Directors

Honorary Board Members  

Joel S. Beckman

Sylvia Golden

Joseph I. Lieberman

Menachem Lubinsky

Martin Minkowitz

Joseph C. Strasburg

Executive Staff

Chief Executive Officer:

David G. Greenfield

David G. Greenfield is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Met Council. He is an accomplished legislator, popular law professor and noted media personality with broad experience in government and not-for-profit organizations. As CEO and Executive Director, David has expanded Met Council’s mission and services to help over 225,000 New Yorkers in need through a multitude of direct services and policy advocacy.

In his eight years in the City Council, David authored nearly 30 pieces of legislation that were signed into law by Mayors Michael Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio. David passed historic legislation mandating affordable housing, reforming the landmarks preservation process, and providing free security guards for over 100,000 private school children. 

David chaired the New York City Council’s influential Committee on Land Use from 2014 through 2017, overseeing the Department of City Planning, the Landmarks Preservation Commission and the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications. In that role, David was instrumental in developing and implementing a new affordable housing plan for New York and rezoning four neighborhoods including East Midtown Manhattan. He was also a member of the Speaker’s leadership team and the Council’s budget negotiation team, which is responsible for determining the City's more than $85 billion budget with the Mayor’s office.

Prior to serving on the City Council, David was Executive Vice President of the Sephardic Community Federation, working closely with public officials at every level of government to improve the lives of all New Yorkers. He was also the founding Director and Counsel of TEACH NYS, advocating on behalf of parents of New York State’s 500,000 Catholic, Jewish and independent school-children. His work led to legislation providing for $600 million in tax credits to parents of all school-age children.

David is a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington D.C. and Touro College in New York City, where he graduated summa cum laude and was valedictorian. David have received numerous commendations and recognition for his work as a civic and non-profit leader. Most recently, he was listed in the Power 100 list of most powerful New Yorkers, Power 100 list of most influential non-profit leaders and was also recognized by City & State as among the top 10 most influential residents of Brooklyn. Greenfield also teaches the next generation of lawyers as adjunct Professor of Law at Brooklyn Law School. He is a proud lifelong resident of Brooklyn, where he happily lives with his wife and children.

Chief Operating Officer: Robert J. Newman

As Met Council’s Chief Operating Officer, Rob Newman is responsible for overseeing and ensuring best internal practices for the organization’s operations. In this role, Rob also focuses on public policy and community needs to help identify and support policy changes that can advance Met Council’s mission to help the neediest New Yorkers. Rob has over two decades of management and policy development experience in the non-profit and government arenas.

Before joining Met Council, Rob worked at the New York City Council for over twenty years where he served as Counsel to two City Council Speakers and in that role was a top aide and principal adviser on legislative, oversight and policy matters. Rob also helped develop and carry out the Speaker’s legislative agenda. Most recently, Rob spearheaded the Speaker’s efforts to build the Council’s oversight capacity by creating and managing the Council Oversight and Investigation Unit which uncovered seriously hazardous conditions in the City’s public housing stock. Rob also drafted legislation to create a Charter Revision Commission tasked with reviewing and recommending changes to the City Charter, the City’s foundational governing legal document. 

Prior to his work in the Council, Rob was a Senior Staff Attorney at Gay Men’s Health Crisis where he provided a wide array of legal services for people with HIV/AIDS and established financial and employment counseling programs designed to help clients re-enter the workforce after recovering from illness.

Rob earned his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and B.S. degree from New York University.

Chief Financial Officer: Matthew M. LoCurto

Matthew M. LoCurto joined Met Council in January of 2016 to oversee the Fiscal and Information and Technology functions. Matt has over two decades of comprehensive experience at the senior and executive level in the nonprofit, governmental and for profit sectors holding a variety of positions as Chief Financial Officer, Controller, Vice President and Senior Director. Using his unique blend of financial and operations experience, Matt has developed a reputation as a “change – agent” and has a proven track record of streamlining operations, implementing systems, improving financial reporting and reducing operational costs.

Most recently Matt was the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Structured Employment Economic Development Corporation (Seedco), a national nonprofit organization, and was responsible for all fiscal and administrative functions for the organization. From 2009 to 2013 he served as a Vice President at Goldman Sachs and Co working exclusively with the Firm’s two signature charities – the Goldman Sachs Foundation and the Goldman Sachs Charitable Gift Fund. From 2006 to 2009 Matt held the position of Controller at the Rockefeller Foundation where he gained valuable large private foundation experience. From 2001 to 2006 he held a number of positions at the City University of New York and last served as the Chief Financial Officer at the College of Staten Island. Matt has also held senior positions at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Garan Incorporated, and started his career at Ernst and Young.

Matt holds Bachelor in Science in Accounting from St. John’s University and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York. He also taught as an adjunct lecturer at the City University of New York, is a member of the New York State Society of CPAs, and serves on the advisory board of St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset NY.

Managing Director, Housing: Jeffry Nearby

Jeff Nearby has been involved in the development and management of special needs housing for over 30 years. He has worked in the private and not-for-profit sectors in both New York and New Jersey. Jeff has been the Managing Director of Housing at Met Council since December 2015 and previously served as the Senior Property Manager. Since joining Met Council in 2005, Jeff has been involved in all aspects of the development, financing, and management of over 400 units of Senior Housing.

Before coming to Met Council, Jeff was the Chief Operating Officer of SERV Properties and Management, the development and management arm of New Jersey’s largest non-profit provider of supervised and supportive housing for mentally ill adolescents, and adults. During his 18 year tenure with SERV, Mr. Nearby developed multiple group homes and apartment programs, oversaw the acquisition of a struggling provider of Developmental Disability services, managed the successful initial Joint Commission accreditation process, and partnered with a local faith based organization to renovate a 100 year old landmarked building into 51 units of low income senior and special needs housing.

Mr. Nearby has a degree in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis and multiple certifications from the National Center for Housing Management.

Managing Director, Human Resources: Linda Freitag

Linda Freitag recently joined Met Council as its Managing Director, Human Resources. A New York native, Linda earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Virginia, followed by her Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University. Then, much to her own surprise, Linda took her first job with the Metropolitan Opera, as a Human Resources generalist. While working for the Met, Linda discovered that she really enjoyed Human Resources. Returning to school at night, Linda earned a joint Master’s degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University and Baruch College.

Linda has spent her career working for New York City not-for-profit organizations. Following her 12 years with the Met, she was the senior Human Resources professional with the Jewish Museum, the International Center of Photography, JASA, and now Met Council. Looking ahead, Linda plans to lead the Human Resources team to support Met Council in ensuring that it meets its obligations towards its clients in the best possible way. She is a firm believer that Human Resources can provide a full range of support throughout an organization.

Linda and her family reside in Queens.

Managing Director, Food Programs: Jessica Chait

Jessica Chait is the managing director of food programs at Met Council, responsible for the Kosher Food Network, the largest free kosher food distribution system in the world and for bringing greater visibility to food insecurity within the Jewish community. Prior to joining Met Council, Jessica worked for at UJA-Federation of New York, in roles of increasing responsibility, culminating as Chief of Staff, responsible for strategic initiatives, including UJA’s year long centennial celebration. Jessica is passionate about helping the vulnerable and, prior to her move to New York, worked for non-profits in Poland and Zambia.

Jessica grew up in San Antonio, Texas, and holds B.A. in Psychology from University of Texas and Masters of Public Administration from New York University.

Managing Director, Development: Brian Tregerman

As Managing Director of Development for Met Council, Brian Tregerman is responsible for developing and implementing a strategic plan to raise vital funds for the organization, as well as overseeing the grants and volunteer departments.  With more than 10 years of sales and fundraising experience in both the private and public sectors, Brian provides a goal oriented approach to his team to ensure that Met Council continues to have the essential resources needed to serve its clients.

Before joining Met Council, Brian served as the Westchester & Riverdale Director for AIPAC where he was responsible for building the pro-Israel community and mobilizing key activists in support of the organization’s legislative efforts.   Additionally, he led a team of fundraisers who grew a $4.5 million dollar annual campaign to $6.5 million in just four years.  Prior to that Brian worked in the commercial real estate industry in Manhattan, representing some of the industry’s largest retailers and landlords.

Brian earned his degree in Public Policy from the University at Albany, Phi Beta Kappa.

Managing Director, Legal & External Affairs: Aaron Cyperstein

Aaron Cyperstein joined Met Council after serving as associate general counsel and chief compliance officer of a national healthcare company. Aaron has over 25 years of experience as an attorney with concentrated expertise in compliance and regulatory matters. Aaron worked as an Assistant Attorney General, Administrative Law Judge and Deputy Chief Contracting Officer for the Department of Citywide Administrative Services. In all of those capacities, he was responsible for administrative, regulatory and compliance issues.

Special Advisor, Social Services: Jackie Ebron

In Jackie’s role as Special Advisor for Social Services, she works with staff members of all levels to ensure that proper care is given to all of Met Council’s clients. Jackie has been involved in Communal Services for over forty years and specializes in cases that need more in depth assistance.

Senior Director, Housing Facilities: Dena Johnson-Herrera

Dena has worked in the Met Council housing department for over 20 years and has managed several of Met Council’s housing sites before her current role.  As Senior Director, Dena provides technical assistance to the Residence Directors, manages major building projects and develops and manages building operation contracts.  Dena resides in Queens and holds a B.A. in Sociology from Queens College and a Master’s of Public Administration from Baruch College.  She is a Certified Occupancy Specialist, a Certified Assisted Housing Manager and a Certified Maintenance Manager.

Senior Director for Regulatory Compliance and Affordable Housing Development: Elena Sytcheva

Elena Sytcheva recently joined Met Council as its Senior Director for Regulatory Compliance and Affordable Housing Development. In her role, Elena is responsible for leading new affordable housing development projects and preservation opportunities in furtherance of Met Council’s mission. She also advises the organization on federal, state, and local regulatory compliance issues.

Before joining Met Council, Elena served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of Development at the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD). During her time at HPD, she managed high priority projects and advised the HPD Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for Development on the implementation of housing policy initiatives and legislation. She has also worked on financing to facilitate the preservation over 800 units of affordable housing across New York City. Prior to her work at HPD, Elena worked as Legislative Counsel at the NYC Council focusing primarily on zoning and land use issues. Elena previously worked as a financial services regulatory attorney for a boutique law firm in Washington D.C.

Elena earned her B.A. in Politics, summa cum laude, from New York University and holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.  A lifelong New Yorker, Elena currently lives in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and enjoys practicing yoga.

Senior Director, Holocaust, Geriatrics and Safety Net Services: Susan Moritz

Susan began her career working with children and families. However, she soon became interested in issues of aging and focused her practice on the elderly. Susan spent 17 years at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House first developing their program of Daily Money Management for Older Adults and later developing programs for caregivers of the elderly. In 2019 when Met Council merged the Geriatric, Safety Net and Holocaust Survivor Services programs, Susan became the Senior Director of the newly created Holocaust and Geriatric Services Department. In addition to agency work, Susan served as a member of the faculty of the NYU and Hunter College Schools of Social Work, has presented at numerous city, state and national conferences on issues of aging and worker burnout, and has served on the board of directors of the NYC Chapter of NASW both as a Member at Large and as the Second Vice President of Budget and Finance. Susan received her MSW from Yeshiva University Wurzweiler School of Social Work.

Senior Director of Volunteer Services and Donor Engagement: Leah Schechter

Leah Schechter, MS, joined Met Council in 2018 and is Senior Director of Volunteer Services and Donor Relations. She brings more than 15 years of experience in volunteer and donor engagement, non-profit management and program development.  Prior to her current position, Leah served as the Assistant Director at UJA-JCC Greenwich where she implemented organizational outreach, engagement and development programming.  In this role, she was responsible for liaising with organizational and community partners, and involved with donor solicitations and relations. Before joining UJA-JCC Greenwich, Leah served as the Director for Youth Programming and as the Assistant Director of Education at Temple Israel in Westport, CT.  Leah has a BA from Boston University and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from the Milano School of International Affairs, The New School for Public Engagement.

Senior Director, Family Violence Awareness Program- Nechama Bakst

Nechama Bakst, LCSW-R is the Senior Director of the Family Violence Awareness Program at Met Council. She obtained her MSW from Loyola University Chicago and spent more than a decade working for community based agencies where she provided clinical, and case management services to individuals and families with a variety of needs ranging from trauma and abuse to couples treatment, anxiety, and depression.  Before joining Met Council, Nechama spent several years supervising staff and treating clients at The Jewish Board.   Additionally, she co-chairs the UJA Taskforce on Family Violence; which is a collaboration of community agencies and leaders who come together quarterly to discuss trends in the community and how to best provide support and recourses to vulnerable populations effected by family violence.   Nechama has also attended  post-graduate training at Ackerman Institute for the Family and is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Director of Budgets and Grants Management: Brittany Miller

Brittany is responsible for managing the annual budget and the overall grants management process for government and foundation grants. Prior to joining Met Council in 2016, Brittany worked for a variety of nonprofits organizations in New York City and Washington, DC where she specialized in improving financial reporting processes and analyzing cost allocations and trends.

Brittany earned her degree in Business Management with a concentration in Music Business from Five Towns College.

Director of Information Technology: Steven Alter

Steven has been at Met Council for almost 20 years. In his role as director of IT he has ensured that the organization’s technology has been well maintained and upgraded consistently. Steven has spent the majority of his career working at various non-profits including The Rockefeller Foundation and The Corporation for Supportive Housing. Steven loves working for an organization that helps the needy, especially Holocaust survivors, like his mother was.

Steven attended Brooklyn College, majoring Information Systems. He and his wife Tammy are blessed with 4 children and several grandchildren.

Director, Crisis Intervention: Julia Kessler-Hollar

Julia Kessler-Hollar, LMSW, received her MSW from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in addition to a certificate in Jewish Communal Leadership through the Drachler Program.  Prior to moving to New York, Julia lived in Southeast Michigan and worked at Jewish Family Service of Metro Detroit providing crisis case management services and supervising social workers in the Family Support Services department, as well as worked at Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County at the Manager of Geriatric Services, overseeing social service programs and staff focusing on older adults in need.  Since the fall of 2018, Julia has been the Director, Crisis Intervention at Met Council overseeing crisis case management services for those facing eviction, utility turn offs, and other urgent financial needs.

Director, Benefits Access Department, Emanuel Negron Emanuel Negron is the Director of Benefits Access at Met Council, responsible for leading Met Council’s outreach and application assistance regarding public benefits and entitlements like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Free Tax Preparation.  He brings more than 18 years of experience in the field of anti-poverty programming.   Prior to joining Met Council he worked at the Food Bank For New York City as the Director of Benefit Access where he implemented community outreach, onsite application assistance and advocacy regarding SNAP, Public Health Insurance and addition public benefit referrals.   During his tenure he chaired the SNAP Task Force meeting and provided Training and Technical Assistance to Food Bank’s coalition of pantries to connect the neediest New Yorkers on SNAP and addition safety-net programs.  Emanuel has a Bachelor of the Arts from Baruch College.  

Director, Leasing: Temima Dublin

Temima graduated from Brooklyn College with a B.A. in Psychology and began working at Met Council in 1992.  She initially worked with the scattered site program finding apartments for homeless and mentally ill clients in the five boroughs.  She currently manages the initial lease-ups and re-opening of the waiting lists in our federally subsidized buildings as well as the initial lease up subsequent leasing of vacant units in our inclusionary housing buildings.