Vincent Echavaria - NYCHA Now

NYCHA Secures Record-Breaking Preservation Funding and Pursues Innovative Projects

January 12, 2026January 12, 2026 Vincent Echavaria

In 2025, NYCHA’s Real Estate Development Department (REDD) secured a record-breaking $2.9 billion in investments for NYCHA developments and communities through the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program. Through public-private partnerships, PACT developments will enjoy comprehensive renovations, enhanced property management, and expanded on-site social services. Across the city, REDD has worked closely with residents to ensure that the renovations meet the needs and priorities of each community. “I am looking forward to the change!”… MORE

December 2025 PACT Partnerships

Real Estate Development Team Receives Public Service Award

December 11, 2025December 11, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

On December 4, NYCHA’s Real Estate Development Department (REDD) was honored by the New York Housing Conference (NYHC) for the Authority’s successful efforts in advancing the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program. The nonprofit affordable housing policy and advocacy organization presented the REDD team, led by Executive Vice President and Chief Real Estate Officer Jonathan… MORE

November 2025

NYCHA’s Capital Projects Roundup: Fall 2025

November 26, 2025November 26, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

This fall, NYCHA’s Asset and Capital Management division (A&CM) completed a range of projects to improve services for residents, from new energy-efficient heating systems in the Bronx and elevator upgrades in Brooklyn to remodeled community center bathrooms in Queens and Manhattan and roofing repairs in Brooklyn. A&CM oversees a multi-billion-dollar capital projects portfolio funded with… MORE

Featured November 2025 Sustainability

NYCHA Earns Award for Capital Heating Projects in the Bronx

November 25, 2025January 2, 2026 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA has been recognized by a national construction industry publication for two energy-efficient heating and hot water projects in the Bronx. On November 20, Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) New York region presented NYCHA’s Asset and Capital Management division with a “Best Project” award in the residential/hospitality and excellence in sustainability categories for its geothermal domestic hot… MORE

Featured November 2025

Customer Service Week 2025: Mission: Possible

November 3, 2025December 1, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA employees took to heart the theme of “Mission: Possible” when celebrating the past year’s achievements during Customer Service Week 2025, from October 20 to October 24. Joining together for a week of team events and activities across the city, employees were recognized for persevering through challenges and continuously rising to the occasion in service… MORE

Highlighted NYCHA Partners October 2025 PACT

Open House New York Spotlights NYCHA Public Art, Renovation Projects

October 28, 2025December 1, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

Vibrant public artworks, climate hazard protection, modernized building and apartment improvements, and revitalized public spaces were among the featured projects showcased during the 2025 Open House New York tours of NYCHA properties in mid-October. The annual Open House New York festival takes tour-goers to 300 locations across the city, including many rarely open to the… MORE

NYCHA Partners October 2025

Newly Equipped Computer Lab Opens at Van Dyke Community Center

October 17, 2025October 20, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

On October 15, Van Dyke Houses residents and youth in Brooklyn welcomed the donation of new computers, Chromebooks, printers, and furniture for a dedicated space at their local community center. Community members, led by Resident Association President Lisa Kenner, gathered with representatives from NYCHA, the Public Housing Community Fund (PHCF), the nonprofit CAMBA, and Amazon… MORE

Exceptional Colleagues Featured October 2025

Brooklyn Operations VP, Complaint Services Team Honored for Customer Service Excellence

October 16, 2025November 3, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

A longtime NYCHA resident and employee and a team that assists residents in resolving complex issues have been recognized at the citywide level for their exemplary service to the NYCHA community. On October 8, Jimmy Santana, Vice President of Public Housing Operations in Brooklyn, and NYCHA’s Complaint Services Team (CST) received the 2025 Excellence in… MORE

IT News and Notes October 2025

October Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October 6, 2025October 3, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

Every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month shines a spotlight on cyber defense strategies – but these practices matter every single day. Cyber criminals use social engineering, AI-powered scams, and ransomware to compromise our sensitive data and critical systems — and as a user of digital systems at NYCHA, you are one of our most powerful security… MORE

Health & Safety Highlighted October 2025

Communication at Heart of NYCHA’s Annual Safety Symposium

October 3, 2025November 3, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA’s Annual Safety Symposium returned on September 19 as a platform to recognize, educate, and promote current and future safety leaders across the city. Communication was the central theme of this year’s convening, with activities and presentations focused on improving communication skills at all levels to empower employees to speak up, listen effectively, and engage… MORE

Employee Voices Health & Safety September 2025

National Preparedness Month: Meet Lillian Fernandez of EMSD

September 19, 2025September 19, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

September is National Preparedness Month, a campaign which reminds New Yorkers to be prepared for disasters or emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. This year’s campaign theme is “Preparedness Starts at Home,” focusing on getting back to the basics when it comes to being prepared. Overseeing preparedness efforts in NYCHA’s Emergency Management and Services… MORE

NYCHA Partners September 2025

Training Program with Union Paves Career Path for Bricklayer, PCC Apprentices

September 18, 2025September 18, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

Several NYCHA residents are putting new skills to use as apprentices for roofing and facade improvement projects thanks to a training program with a local construction union. A partnership between NYCHA and the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1 union, the 12-week pre-training program aims to prepare participants for a union apprenticeship and a future… MORE

NYCHA Partners September 2025

Patterson Houses Community Welcomes Revitalized Open Spaces

September 15, 2025September 15, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

At Patterson Houses, a wave ripples across the surface of a newly upgraded basketball court. The artistic representation adorning the court is one of the host of improvements to open spaces recently completed at the Bronx development for residents of all ages to enjoy. Other recreation enhancements include two renovated playgrounds and an accessible fitness… MORE

Highlighted September 2025

NYCHA Employees Celebrate Fan Appreciation at New York Liberty Game

September 11, 2025October 1, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA colleagues joined the thousands of spectators who came to support the New York Liberty during their Fan Appreciation Night on September 9. In the WNBA team’s final home game of the regular season at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, the Liberty defeated the Washington Mystics 75-66. The Liberty, who received the fifth seed in the playoffs… MORE

Highlighted September 2025

NYCHA’s Capital Projects Roundup: Summer 2025

September 2, 2025October 1, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

This summer, NYCHA’s Asset and Capital Management division (A&CM) completed a range of improvement projects across the portfolio, from elevator upgrades in the Bronx to building façade enhancements in Brooklyn and roofing repairs in Manhattan and the Bronx. A&CM oversees a multi-billion-dollar capital projects portfolio funded with federal, State, and City investments. The division works… MORE

August 2025 Health & Safety

Development Staff Answer the Call for ‘Maintenance Cares’

August 15, 2025October 1, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

In its first six months since launching, a NYCHA maintenance program targeting serious conditions in apartments across the city has prioritized more than 750 cases for urgent repairs. The “Maintenance Cares” initiative was launched Authority-wide in February to expedite apartment repairs that need immediate attention by skilled trades employees or vendors. When maintenance workers conduct… MORE

Exceptional Colleagues Featured July 2025

Brooklyn Caretakers Earn John DeCarlo Award for Exemplary Service

July 31, 2025September 2, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

Two Brooklyn Caretakers have been honored as the winners of this year’s John DeCarlo Memorial Award in recognition of their exemplary service to the NYCHA community. Lionel Riley has not hesitated to go beyond his daily duties as a Caretaker to assist residents in need at Sumner Houses. Fellow Brooklyn Caretaker Dillworth Brooks, a… MORE

Employee Voices July 2025

Celebrating Caribbean-American Heritage Month: Meet Sherry Samaroo, Business Analyst

July 3, 2025September 5, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

Living in New York City for more than 20 years, NYCHA employee Sherry Samaroo never feels too far removed from her native Trinidad and Tobago. Ms. Samaroo emigrated from the Caribbean island nation as a young adult to pursue higher education, but she continues to make regular trips back to visit with family. In her… MORE

Featured July 2025

Brooklyn Cyclones Celebrate NYCHA Employee Appreciation Night

July 1, 2025August 1, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA employees enjoyed a night out at the ballpark on June 26 to see the local Brooklyn Cyclones take on the Jersey Shore BlueClaws. Celebrating “NYCHA Employee Appreciation Night” at the Cyclones’ Maimonides Park in Coney Island, Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt joined fellow staff donning Cyclones hats for an evening of fun and camaraderie.… MORE

Employee Voices Exceptional Colleagues Highlighted June 2025

Meet Lauren Colella, PMU Project Manager

June 26, 2025August 1, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

Working within NYCHA’s Planning and Project Management Department, Lauren Colella can attest to the impact of various initiatives to improve residents’ quality of life. For more than a year, Ms. Colella has served as a Project Manager in the department’s division that is dedicated to the planning, organization, and execution of complex operational projects and… MORE

June 2025 NYCHA Partners

Metro North Plaza Project Recognized for Resiliency Improvements

June 16, 2025June 13, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

On June 12, the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Metro New York and New Jersey Chapter held its 31st Annual Project of the Year Awards and Scholarship Banquet to recognize outstanding achievement in construction management. Among the New York City honorees was the NYCHA Recovery and Resilience project at East Harlem’s Metro North Plaza,… MORE

June 2025

NYCHA Runners Club Completes 2025 Corporate Challenge

June 6, 2025June 13, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA’s Runners Club laced up their sneakers for the 46th running of the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge race in Central Park on May 28 and May 29. Runners Club colleagues teamed up to join thousands of runners and walkers from across the city for New York’s version of the Corporate Challenge, billed as the world’s… MORE

June 2025 NYCHA Partners

Two Renovated Playgrounds Open at Kingsborough Houses

June 4, 2025June 3, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

On June 1, the Kingsborough Houses community celebrated the opening of two newly refurbished playgrounds at the Brooklyn development, where more than 2,200 residents live. Mayor Eric Adams and recently appointed NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa joined NYCHA representatives and local residents for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the $5.1 million project,… MORE

Exceptional Colleagues Highlighted June 2025 NYCHA Partners

Brooklyn Superintendent Recognized for Career Journey After NRTA

June 2, 2025August 1, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

On May 29, Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI) celebrated its 25th anniversary by honoring past graduates, partners, and supporters who have contributed to the mission of creating employment opportunities and access to career paths for low-income New Yorkers. Among the honorees was lifelong NYCHA resident Tiphany Malloy, a 2016 graduate of the NYCHA Resident Training Academy… MORE

Featured Health & Safety May 2025

‘Maintenance Cares’ Program Targets Priority Repairs Across NYCHA

May 26, 2025June 25, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

To improve residents’ quality of life, NYCHA maintenance staff are helping to resolve apartment conditions in urgent need of repairs through a new Authority-wide initiative known as “Maintenance Cares.” Under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) new inspection model, the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE), NYCHA is… MORE

Employee Voices Highlighted May 2025

Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month: Meet Grayson Lin, Business Operation Coordinator

May 22, 2025June 25, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

Employee Grayson Lin has been a dependable communicator for fellow residents within the Chinese community at NYCHA. Multilingual in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, Mr. Lin previously served with the Family Partnerships Department as a community associate and resident advisor before joining the Resident Relocation Services Department (RRSD) as a Business Operation Coordinator. During his years… MORE

May 2025 NYCHA Partners

NYCHA Receives Design Award for Post-Sandy Playground Projects

May 5, 2025May 5, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

On April 24, the American Society of Landscape Architects’ New York chapter (ASLA-NY) honored NYCHA’s efforts in redeveloping community playgrounds following the destruction from Hurricane Sandy. NYCHA, in partnership with the landscape architecture firm Grain Collective, was one of 20 recipients of the Merit Award at ASLA-NY’s annual Design Awards ceremony, held at the Central… MORE

May 2025

NYCHA’s Capital Projects Roundup: Spring 2025

May 1, 2025May 1, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

Several developments in Brooklyn and Manhattan received newly upgraded elevators this past winter and early spring thanks to projects completed by NYCHA’s Asset and Capital Management division (A&CM). Among other recently completed capital projects is a fully renovated former children’s center at Hammel Houses in Rockaway Beach, while Manhattan’s Amsterdam Houses also received upgraded exterior… MORE

April 2025 Featured NYCHA Partners

Mariner’s Harbor Houses Celebrates Newly Renovated Community Center

April 29, 2025June 2, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

On April 15, Mariner’s Harbor Houses welcomed a newly refurbished community center featuring a fully functional instructional kitchen, computer rooms, a common area, and brand-new restrooms. NYCHA leaders were joined by representatives from the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) for a ribbon-cutting to… MORE

April 2025 Exceptional Colleagues Highlighted

Celebrating Administrative Professionals Day: Meet Secretary Latanya Gainer

April 22, 2025June 2, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

Assisting the residents of East River Houses has personal significance for veteran NYCHA Secretary Latanya Gainer. A longtime NYCHA resident herself, Ms. Gainer often takes the point of view of fellow residents when helping to address various issues or connect them to resources. “Since I am a resident, I look at it… MORE

April 2025 Change Ambassadors Employee Voices Highlighted

Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Week: Meet Ulysses Umana, Construction Field Supervisor

April 17, 2025June 2, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

On April 17, 1907, the City of New York recorded its largest-ever immigrant arrivals on Ellis Island. In honor of the significance of this moment, since 2004 the City has set aside a week in April to commemorate Immigrant Heritage Week, celebrating the contributions immigrant New Yorkers like veteran NYCHA employee Ulysses Umana make to… MORE

Employee Voices March 2025 NYCHA Leadership

Celebrating Women’s History Month: An Interview with VPs of Operations

March 31, 2025April 1, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

Every March, we honor the achievements of women throughout history and recognize the ongoing contributions they make today, inspiring future generations of women. From front-line to executive staff, NYCHA women employees are an integral part of the Authority’s progress. This year’s Women’s History Month theme is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.” Across… MORE

Highlighted IT News and Notes March 2025

NYCHA IT Colleagues Among Latest Graduates of NYC Cyber Academy

March 10, 2025April 1, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

On March 5, the New York City Cyber Academy celebrated the newest graduates of a specialized training program designed to bolster the city’s cybersecurity workforce and improve efforts to defend agencies against web-based threats to critical services and infrastructure. City officials, including Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Matthew Fraser and Chief Information Security Officer Kelly Moan,… MORE

Highlighted March 2025

NYCHA Senior Counsel Completes City Management Academy Program

March 3, 2025April 1, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

The New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services’ (DCAS) Management Academy is a monthslong program that aims to provide participants with the strategies, skills, and acumen to meet the demands of managing in a City government environment. Glenn Friedman, a Senior Counsel in NYCHA’s Law Department, was among the approximately two dozen City employees… MORE

February 2025 Highlighted

NYCHA Earns Excellence Award for Supporting Minority, Women Businesses

February 19, 2025April 1, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

On February 13, Mayor Eric Adams’ administration celebrated elected officials, business and construction industry leaders, and City agencies for their efforts to support the City’s program for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE). Among the agencies recognized with an M/WBE Excellence Award, NYCHA was honored for awarding over $1 billion in contracts to M/WBEs during… MORE

February 2025 Highlighted

NYCHA’s Capital Projects Roundup: Fall/Winter

February 7, 2025March 3, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

Recovery and Resilience improvements in Coney Island and the installation of more than 100 new closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in Brooklyn were among NYCHA’s capital projects completed this past fall and early winter to improve security and services for residents. Other projects completed by NYCHA’s Asset and Capital Management Division (A&CM) in recent months… MORE

Health & Safety Highlighted January 2025

Meet Smoke-Free NYCHA Liaison Equan Brown

January 31, 2025March 21, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

For those residents looking to quit or cut back on smoking this new year, Smoke-Free NYCHA’s Liaison team is ready to assist. Serving as community health workers, Smoke-Free Liaisons help create healthier environments across NYCHA by educating residents and staff about the Authority’s smoke-free policy (which reduces exposure to secondhand smoke), coaching smokers who want… MORE

Featured January 2025 NYCHA Developments Partnerships

New Exhibit Traces Evolution of Open Spaces Across NYCHA Campuses

January 10, 2025February 3, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

In an exhibition space at Brooklyn’s FXCollaborative Gallery, visitors can take a visual journey through the changing landscapes of open spaces across NYCHA, beginning with the early years of the organization. The Authority’s parks and green spaces play the central role in the newly launched exhibit, “Living in the Shade: NYCHA Open Space Past, Present,… MORE

December 2024 Exceptional Colleagues Featured

NYCHA Earns ‘Best Application Serving the Public’ Award for Section 8 Portal

December 6, 2024January 2, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

During the week it was launched this past summer, a new online portal welcomed approximately 1.5 million visitors seeking to apply for NYCHA’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Nearly 15 years after the Section 8 waitlist was last opened to the public, the new platform processed more than 633,000 applications over the week… MORE

Environmental Health & Safety Health & Safety Highlighted November 2024

Spotlighting Safety Leaders, Programs at NYCHA’s Annual Safety Symposium

November 19, 2024November 3, 2025 Vincent Echavaria

On November 8, NYCHA presented its Annual Safety Symposium to recognize, educate, and promote current and future safety leaders across the city. Returning to a full educational symposium format for the first time since the COVID pandemic, the daylong event was held at the Johnson Community Center in East Harlem, where hundreds of NYCHA staff… MORE

Exceptional Colleagues Highlighted November 2024

Celebrating Veterans Day: Meet Albert Ruffin, Jr., Special Officer

November 14, 2024December 2, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

When Veterans Day comes around each year, longtime NYCHA employee Albert Ruffin, Jr. is proud to know that he is among those whose service to their country is being recognized. “I think it’s a day that should be honored, and I’m proud to be able to say that I’m included in that honor,” said Mr.… MORE

Featured November 2024

Customer Service Week 2024: Above and Beyond

November 8, 2024December 2, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

“Above and Beyond” was a reference not just to the theme but also to the shared sense of pride among NYCHA development and department staff during Customer Service Week 2024, celebrated from Monday, October 28 through Friday, November 1. Gathering together for a week of communal events and activities across the city, employees were… MORE

October 2024 PACT

Conference Panel Highlights PACT Resident Engagement Process

October 24, 2024October 24, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

On October 16, the American Planning Association’s New York Metro Chapter held its annual conference featuring a panel which highlighted NYCHA resident participation in the planning process for the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program. The conference, “Planning in an Era of Change,” was hosted by the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at… MORE

Exceptional Colleagues Featured October 2024

Resident Relocation Services Department Honored for Customer Service Excellence

October 15, 2024November 1, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

Whenever an emergency or major building and apartment repairs require NYCHA residents to be temporarily relocated to a hotel or hospitality apartment, the Resident Relocation Services team steps up to help the impacted families. Whether it’s a planned relocation for scheduled work such as asbestos and mold remediation or an unplanned move due to a… MORE

NYCHA Partners October 2024 Sustainability

Climate Week NYC: NYCHA Sustainability Programs Highlighted at Staff Events

October 8, 2024October 8, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

Climate Week NYC brought together business leaders, political changemakers, and civil society representatives from all over the world for opportunities to promote climate action, speed up progress, and champion change in our communities. Among the local leaders were NYCHA’s Senior Director of Sustainability Siobhan Watson and Senior Vice President for Capital Programs Joy Sinderbrand,… MORE

IT News and Notes October 2024

October Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October 3, 2024October 3, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we will focus on three simple actions – STOP, LOOK, and THINK – to stay vigilant and secure. According to the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation’s Cyber Command, 38 percent of City employees regularly demonstrate risky behavior during their regularly held phishing simulations. To reduce these risks, please follow these… MORE

Health & Safety October 2024

NYCHA Pest Management Head Among Speakers at Urban Rat Summit

October 2, 2024October 1, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

The first-ever National Urban Rat Summit in New York City called on a broad range of experts from cities around the nation to share best practices on rodent mitigation, including efforts to tackle urban rat challenges using innovative methods. Presented in partnership with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the State… MORE

Health & Safety September 2024

National Preparedness Month

September 5, 2024September 5, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

September is National Preparedness Month. How prepared are you for an emergency? New Yorkers increasingly face greater risks from a multitude of extreme weather events and emergencies, especially if they live alone, are low-income or elderly, or have a disability. Be Informed Know Your Zone Plan Ahead Stay Informed Visit New York City’s National… MORE

Exceptional Colleagues Health & Safety Highlighted September 2024

Preparedness Month Spotlight: Meet Faye Peithman, Continuity Planner

September 4, 2024October 1, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA employee Faye Peithman still remembers the damage left behind after Superstorm Sandy ripped through her community of Rockaway Beach. Among the New Yorkers who stayed home when the coastal storm struck the New York City area in October 2012, Ms. Peithman witnessed intense flooding on the streets and a fire just a block away… MORE

August 2024 Exceptional Colleagues Highlighted

Meet Vance Rogers, Housing Litigation Community Coordinator

August 23, 2024October 1, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

Over his 40-year career at NYCHA, Vance Rogers has not shied away from the opportunity to delve into various facets of the organization. Mr. Rogers, in fact, has relished the chance to assist a new department, apply another skill, or visit other areas of the city through his range of work experience at the… MORE

Exceptional Colleagues July 2024

NYCHA Employee Bruce Eisenberg Honored With ‘Public Architect Award’

July 5, 2024September 2, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

The American Institute of Architect’s (AIA) New York chapter recently recognized NYCHA Director of Engineering Audit Bruce Eisenberg for his work in transforming public sector architecture for housing, buildings, and parks. On June 18, Mr. Eisenberg, who has served in NYCHA’s Asset and Capital Management Division for 10 years, was presented with the local… MORE

July 2024

NYCHA’s Capital Projects Roundup: Spring 2024

July 3, 2024July 3, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

A fully renovated playground at Amsterdam Houses in Manhattan and various beautification upgrades to the grounds at Astoria Houses in Queens were among NYCHA’s capital projects completed this spring to improve services for residents. Other projects completed by NYCHA’s Asset and Capital Management Division (A&CM) in recent months include elevator replacements at Richmond Terrace in… MORE

Health & Safety June 2024 Partnerships

The Floating Hospital Workshops Give Queensbridge Men Safe Space to Talk Health

June 28, 2024July 15, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

For many men, discussing the topic of their health, both physical and mental, is best kept as a private matter. A new program of The Floating Hospital, however, is working to change that perception for some adult men from NYCHA’s Queensbridge Houses and the surrounding community. Partnering with NYCHA, the nonprofit Floating Hospital – which… MORE

Exceptional Colleagues June 2024

NYCHA Caretakers Honored With John DeCarlo Award for Exemplary Service

June 26, 2024September 2, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

Over his 25 years serving as a Caretaker at Brooklyn’s Roosevelt Houses, Edwin Garcia has been a friendly face for both residents and employees, keeping their needs top of mind as he goes about his daily duties. Fellow Caretaker Sergio Sosa is equally appreciated by the residents at Robinson Houses in Manhattan, where he can… MORE

Featured May 2024

Runners Club Takes On 2024 Corporate Challenge

May 31, 2024September 2, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA’s Runners Club teamed up for the 45th running of the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge race in Central Park on May 29 and May 30. Runners Club colleagues at the Authority joined thousands of runners and walkers from across the city for New York’s version of the Corporate Challenge, billed as the world’s largest corporate… MORE

May 2024

Supply Management and Procurement Hosts Networking Event for Vendor Pre-Qualified Lists

May 16, 2024May 16, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

In celebration of National Small Business Month, NYCHA’s Supply Management and Procurement Department (SMP) hosted an outreach event on May 2 for Section 3 business concerns (S3BC) and Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE). “Break Into Action with NYCHA – A Section 3 and M/WBE Event” was held at the Borough of Manhattan Community… MORE

Highlighted May 2024

City Management Academy Picks 2 NYCHA Leaders for 2024 Program

May 13, 2024June 3, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

A New York City government initiative to equip leaders with management best practices has selected two NYCHA managers for separate cohorts this year. The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services’ (DCAS) Management Academy is a rigorous three-month program intended to provide participants with strategies, skills, and acumen needed to meet the demands of managing in… MORE

Employee Voices Highlighted May 2024

Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month: Meet Aaron Trauring, IT Senior Program Manager

May 10, 2024June 3, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

Soon after entering the NYCHA workforce over 21 years ago, Aaron Trauring joined the Jewish Employees Organization (Batei Tsibur). Learning there was an existing group of Jewish NYCHA employees who cohesively promote Jewish culture, acts of kindness, and community spirit, Mr. Trauring was pleased to become a member. “I thought it was a great opportunity… MORE

May 2024

Oliver Osterwind Participates in Construction Safety Week Panel Discussion

May 8, 2024May 7, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

On May 6, the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) New York/New Jersey Chapter presented a Construction Safety Week panel featuring Oliver Osterwind, NYCHA’s Vice President of Project Management for Capital Programs, and other New York City construction leaders. Kicking off Construction Safety Week 2024, the discussion centered on common safety hazards in the industry,… MORE

Featured May 2024

Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month: Meet the Resident Leaders at LaGuardia Houses Addition

May 2, 2024June 3, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

Close to the heart of Chinatown sits LaGuardia Houses Addition, a NYCHA senior development where a large majority of residents are ethnically Chinese. Among the more than 180 residents who call the 16-story building home, over 78 percent are of Asian ethnicity. The strong representation of Asian culture at this Lower East Side development is… MORE

April 2024 Exceptional Colleagues Highlighted

Celebrating Administrative Professionals Day

April 18, 2024May 1, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

Meet Evelyn Sanchez, Executive Assistant to the CEO Evelyn Sanchez has a front-row seat to the demanding work schedule of NYCHA’s top leader. Working as Executive Assistant to Lisa Bova-Hiatt, the Chief Executive Officer of the nation’s largest public housing authority, may come with an imposing list of tasks on some days, but Ms. Sanchez… MORE

April 2024 Highlighted

Thought Leader Events Address Diversity, Resiliency

April 9, 2024May 1, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

As the largest public housing authority in the country, NYCHA is served by numerous thought leaders, employees whose expertise in a specific field can help shape policies and develop innovative solutions to challenging problems. NYCHA regularly participates in a variety of thought leadership events, which provide opportunities for staff to promote programs and initiatives centered… MORE

Exceptional Colleagues March 2024

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Meet Yadhira Espinal, Senior Director of Planning and Project Management

March 29, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

Every March, we mark Women’s History Month by celebrating the contributions women have made throughout American history as well as the achievements women continue to make today. This year’s theme highlights “women who advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion,” and we recognize women in our community who, through their leadership and advocacy, are helping to… MORE

Exceptional Colleagues March 2024

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Meet Alina Williams, Community Coordinator

March 15, 2024March 14, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

Highlighted March 2024

NYCHA Plasterer Academy Graduates First Class

March 7, 2024April 1, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

Eight NYCHA employees are set to move on to the next phase of their careers as Plasterers in the field. On March 1, the group of Plasterer Helpers, also known as Caretaker Ps, became the first graduates of NYCHA’s “Plasterer Academy.” The new six-month program provides the participants with in-field and classroom training to enhance… MORE

Celebrations Highlighted March 2024

NYCHA Events Celebrate Black History Month

March 4, 2024April 1, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

Black History Month was celebrated throughout NYCHA this February with festivities and recognitions of community members who have worked to empower their neighborhoods through the arts, advocacy, and civic engagement. Residents and employees were joined by community partners for events honoring the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans, while paying tribute to this year’s Black… MORE

Health & Safety March 2024

Spotlight on NYCHA’s New Health Matters Employee Association

March 1, 2024March 1, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

Veteran NYCHA employee Michael Jacocks has long made health a central focus in his way of life. A martial arts practitioner and teacher, the self-described health enthusiast said his choice to adopt a whole-food, plant-based diet goes hand in hand with his active lifestyle. “I consider myself an athlete and it really doesn’t work if… MORE

February 2024

NYCHA Earns Excellence in Financial Reporting Award for 20th Straight Year

February 23, 2024February 26, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

Now 20 years strong, NYCHA was again recognized for its excellence in financial reporting with a Certificate of Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The GFOA award was recently bestowed to the Authority for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year that ended December 31,… MORE

Exceptional Colleagues February 2024 Highlighted NYCHA Leadership

NYCHA Executive David Rohde Recognized as a ‘Notable General Counsel’

February 16, 2024March 1, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA’s Executive Vice President (EVP) for Legal Affairs and General Counsel David Rohde has been named among the city’s 2024 Notable General Counsels by Crain’s New York Business. The publication’s annual list of Notable General Counsels celebrates the lawyers who are considered vital to New York City’s business community. Mr. Rohde, who was appointed to… MORE

Celebrations February 2024 Highlighted

Chinese-American Association Hosts Year of the Dragon Celebration

February 15, 2024March 1, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

On February 9, NYCHA’s Chinese-American Association held its annual Lunar New Year luncheon with fellow staff, celebrating the Year of the Dragon in 2024. “In Chinese culture, the dragon holds a significant place as an auspicious and extraordinary creature, unparalleled in talent and excellence,” explained Qi “Linda” Zhang, President of the Chinese-American Association and NYCHA’s… MORE

February 2024 Health & Safety NYCHA Developments

HUD’s NSPIRE Inspections: NYCHA Sites Scheduled This Month

February 1, 2024January 31, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is conducting random inspections of NYCHA apartments and buildings under a recently improved model that aims to reduce health and safety hazards. The National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) replaces the former Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) inspections – the first significant… MORE

Exceptional Colleagues Highlighted January 2024

Energy-Efficient Heating System Replaces NYCHA’s Oldest Boilers at Berry Houses

January 23, 2024February 1, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

Former boilers were maintained by veteran heating technicians for decades This past fall, a newly installed set of boilers started running for the first time at Berry Houses, just as NYCHA entered another heating season. It was the beginning of a new era for the Staten Island development, where NYCHA’s longest running boilers –… MORE

December 2023 NYCHA Partners Sustainability

NYCHA Clean Energy Academy Graduates Second Cohort

December 27, 2023December 27, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

On December 19, NYCHA’s Clean Energy Academy celebrated its second class of 15 graduates, moving closer to the goal of training 100 NYCHA residents for green jobs over its first two years. The newest cohort of graduates join the 24 residents who were the first to complete the 16-week, 280-hour program this summer. The free… MORE

December 2023 Exceptional Colleagues

Longtime Resident Devotes Nearly Half a Century to NYCHA Service

December 22, 2023December 22, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

For nearly 50 years, Birdie Glenn has been looking out for her fellow residents of Robinson Houses in Harlem. Whether as the supervisor of the local Resident Watch or the longtime president of the resident association, Ms. Glenn has built a reputation as a voice for the community. A resident of Robinson Houses since… MORE

December 2023 Sustainability

Woodside Houses Residents Welcome Electric Heat Pumps as Winter Begins

December 21, 2023December 21, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

This winter, residents in two dozen apartments at Woodside Houses are getting their heating from electric-powered heat pumps for the first time. No longer relying on apartment radiators, the residents have received complimentary heat pumps in their living room and bedroom windows, which provide both electrified heating and cooling services in support of the Authority’s… MORE

December 2023 Employee Voices Health & Safety Highlighted

Spotlight on NYCHA’s New Rat Extermination Team

December 5, 2023January 2, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

Shareef Rashid and Diogenes Umanzar take their mission seriously when it comes to pest control at NYCHA. The self-described “hit squad” for eradicating rats and other pests are two members of NYCHA’s newly formed Pest Management unit specifically targeting rat extermination across the Authority. The eight-member team, led by Program Manager Edwin Arroyo and supervisor… MORE

Featured Health & Safety November 2023

‘Fire Safety House’ Simulates Emergency for Farragut Houses Residents

November 1, 2023December 1, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

The FDNY took fire safety education to the next level for NYCHA youth at Brooklyn’s Farragut Houses on October 24. Simulating a dark, smoke-filled environment, the FDNY’s mobile “Fire Safety House” aims to teach youth and other residents how to act in the event of a fire in their home. With the guidance of fire… MORE

October 2023

NYCHA’s Capital Projects Roundup: Fall 2023

October 27, 2023October 27, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

A newly renovated kitchen at the Jefferson Houses community center in Manhattan was among the capital projects celebrated by the NYCHA community this summer. Other projects completed by NYCHA’s Asset and Capital Management Division (A&CM) in recent months included various grounds improvements at developments in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens and apartment ventilation renovations in Manhattan.… MORE

Featured October 2023

Customer Service Week 2023: Team Service

October 26, 2023November 1, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

The theme of “Team Service” was celebrated throughout NYCHA by development and department staff who took part in communal activities to commemorate Customer Service Week 2023 from Monday, October 16 to Friday, October 20. Below are some highlights of how NYCHA colleagues spent the week visiting developments, reviewing best practices, interacting with their team, and… MORE

Highlighted NYCHA Developments October 2023

NYCHA Begins Installing Voltage Technology for Improved Elevator Service

October 26, 2023November 1, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA is taking action to help prevent elevator outages caused by low voltage in a building. This summer, the Bronx’s Jackson Houses became one of the first developments to receive installations of automatic voltage regulators (AVR) for its elevator operations. By automatically boosting voltage to acceptable operating levels, the new equipment allows elevators to… MORE

Health & Safety NYCHA Partners October 2023

NYCHA Resident Leaders Attend Inaugural Fire Safety Symposium

October 23, 2023October 23, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

On October 18, the New York City Fire Museum hosted NYCHA resident leaders from across the city to spotlight fire prevention and safety measures that can be applied in their communities. The inaugural NYCHA Fire Safety Symposium for resident association leaders featured exclusive access to the NYC Fire Museum, along with giveaways of educational materials,… MORE

IT News and Notes October 2023

October Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October 5, 2023November 4, 2024 Vincent Echavaria

Cybersecurity Awareness Month Turns 20! This October marks the 20th year of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The campaign is a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure web users have the resources they need to stay safe and secure online. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Cybersecurity Alliance, some key… MORE

Employee Voices Highlighted Partnerships September 2023

NYCHA Employees Thrive in Management Roles Years After NRTA Janitorial Training

September 27, 2023November 1, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

Several years after starting their NYCHA careers as Caretakers, Tiphany Malloy and Jermaine Hall have moved up the ranks to management-level roles. South Beach Houses resident Ms. Malloy has been serving as an Assistant Resident Buildings Superintendent at the Woodson/Van Dyke II Houses consolidation in Brooklyn for over a year, while former Saint Mary’s… MORE

Employee Voices Exceptional Colleagues Featured September 2023

Inventions Enhance Job Efficiency for Tompkins Houses Carpenter

September 12, 2023October 2, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

Inside the carpenter shop at Tompkins Houses, Stephen Jackman opened a small door on what he calls his “keep everything compartment.” Indeed, this universal storage cart built by Mr. Jackman is an invention that would make many a hardware store clerk proud. Constructed of plywood and standing roughly four feet tall on wheels, the customized… MORE

August 2023 Health & Safety Highlighted NYCHA Leadership

Meet Joe Terranova, Director of Fire Safety

August 31, 2023October 2, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

A veteran fire protection engineer was recently appointed as NYCHA’s first Director of Fire Safety. After more than five years as Engineering Manager for fire protection systems at MTA-Long Island Railroad (LIRR), the nation’s busiest commuter railroad, Joe Terranova has joined NYCHA to oversee the new Fire Safety Department. Mr. Terranova – who previously served… MORE

August 2023

NYCHA Skyliners Close Out 2023 Season in League Semifinals

August 25, 2023October 2, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

The NYCHA Skyliners softball team finished the 2023 season with another strong run toward the New York City Government Softball League title. Making an impressive turnaround from its 7-6 regular season record last year, the employee team rose to second place in the 2023 league standings with a 13-2 record. After a walk-off victory against… MORE

August 2023

Law Department Interns Tour Long Island City Operations

August 17, 2023August 23, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

Legal interns from NYCHA’s Law Department recently met with Operations Support Services staff to tour operations at the satellite office in Long Island City. Joined by some landlord and tenant attorneys, the group toured on-site departments, including Pest Management, Waste Management, Heating Management and Services, Emergency Management and Services, and Elevator Services and Repair. The… MORE

August 2023 Exceptional Colleagues Featured

Two Women Caretakers Named John DeCarlo Award Recipients for First Time

August 14, 2023September 1, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

An annual NYCHA award honoring outstanding caretakers has recognized two women for the first time in its nearly 25-year history. The John DeCarlo Memorial Award, named after a longtime NYCHA caretaker who lost his life while on duty at Brooklyn’s Marlboro Houses in 1997, is presented each year to two exemplary caretakers with a minimum… MORE

August 2023 Highlighted Neighborhood Administrators NYCHA Leadership

New Leadership Training Program Graduates First Class of Administrators

August 11, 2023September 1, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA recently celebrated the first graduates of a new training initiative that seeks to empower agency leaders as part of citywide efforts to enhance services for residents. Thirty employees serving as neighborhood administrators across the five boroughs completed the 12-week program, the Operations Leadership Institute (OLI), with a ceremony on July 26. A project administered… MORE

August 2023 Sustainability

First Set of Electric Heat Pumps Installed at Woodside Houses

August 2, 2023August 2, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA residents in a dozen apartments at Woodside Houses have received newly installed window heat pumps that provide electrified heating and cooling services in support of the Authority’s efforts to decarbonize buildings. A total of 36 complimentary heat-pump units were installed in July at the Queens development as part of the first phase of a… MORE

July 2023 NYCHA Partners

Meet a NYCHA Construction Partner: Jacobs

July 20, 2023July 19, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

As part of an ongoing series, we’re featuring the construction partners who work with NYCHA to ensure safe, decent, and affordable homes for thousands of residents across the city. In this latest installment, George Guzman, construction manager of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing at Jacobs, discusses the firm’s partnership with NYCHA, specifically for Superstorm Sandy Recovery… MORE

July 2023 Sustainability

NYCHA Representatives Participate in White House Summit on Climate, Sustainability

July 18, 2023July 18, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA was recently represented at a White House summit addressing climate resilience and sustainability in affordable housing. The event was inspired by a visit earlier this year to the Recovery and Resilience project at Baruch Houses by White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. Senior Vice President for Capital Programs Joy Sinderbrand and… MORE

Celebrations July 2023

Multipurpose Recreation Area Opens at Polo Grounds Towers

July 13, 2023July 13, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

On July 11, Manhattan’s Polo Grounds Towers marked the official opening of a multi-use recreation space, which includes a newly upgraded basketball court. Complete with new painting, surfacing, and hoops to host pickup basketball games, the new space can also be converted into tennis or volleyball courts with new netting and boundary markings. The approximately… MORE

Celebrations July 2023 PACT

Edenwald Staff Celebrate PACT Progress, Employee Retirement

July 12, 2023July 11, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA staff at Edenwald Houses, the largest development in the Bronx, gathered for some recent causes for celebration. Along with the closing of financing for the latest Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) modernization project at the end of June, Supervisor of Housing Caretakers Nelson Andrades kicked off his retirement after 27 years of service. With… MORE

Exceptional Colleagues Health & Safety Highlighted June 2023

Meet Arturo Vargas, Supervisor City Laborer for Mold Remediation

June 23, 2023August 1, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

As the supervisor city laborer for mold remediation at NYCHA, Arturo Vargas was ready to take on the challenge of battling mold. He knew that by helping to rid apartments of mold growth, he would be ensuring a healthier environment for residents in their homes and improving their quality of life. “I was ready for… MORE

June 2023

Whitman Houses Breaks Ground for Upgraded Recreation Space

June 16, 2023June 16, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

On June 15, the Whitman Houses community celebrated the future opening of a revitalized recreation area, featuring both basketball and handball courts. Resident leaders and community members were joined by NYCHA representatives and local elected officials, including City Councilmember Crystal Hudson and Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest, to ceremoniously break ground for the renovation project at… MORE

June 2023 Partnerships

NYCHA, NYC Parks Kick Off Open-Space Revamp at 1471 Watson Avenue

June 15, 2023June 15, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) have set in motion the construction of an upgraded playground and open space area for the community at 1471 Watson Avenue in the Bronx. On June 13, local community members were joined by NYCHA Interim CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt, NYC Parks Commissioner Sue… MORE

May 2023

NYCHA’s Capital Projects Roundup: Spring 2023

May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

Upgraded play spaces were among the newly renovated facilities and grounds improvements recently welcomed by NYCHA developments in Manhattan and Brooklyn. This spring, NYCHA’s Asset and Capital Management Division (A&CM) marked the completion of these and other capital projects to bring a variety of community benefits and improved services for residents. A&CM oversees a multi-billion-dollar… MORE

Exceptional Colleagues May 2023

Meet Millie Molina, Senior Manager for Events & Communications Services

May 26, 2023June 30, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

Former Resident, Seasoned Manager Is Retiring After Nearly 25 Years at NYCHA NYCHA has held a prominent place in the life and career of Millie Molina. A native New Yorker, Ms. Molina spent her childhood as a resident of Patterson Houses in the Bronx before her family eventually purchased a home in Queens Village. After… MORE

Highlighted May 2023 NYCHA Leadership

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Meet Chief Administrative Officer Kerri Jew

May 18, 2023June 1, 2023 Vincent Echavaria

As someone who relishes taking on a diversity of tasks, Kerri Jew welcomes a NYCHA job portfolio that can be “extremely varied.” “I really like to do lots of different things at once,” Ms. Jew said about her responsibilities as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. “I think it’s exciting and interesting to learn… MORE

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