NYCHA Now

NYCHANow chronicles the hard work of the men and women who make the New York City Housing Authority run, reporting the latest news and happenings.

NYCHA Now
September 2016 

“I Am NextGen” Honorees Embody NYCHA’s Commitment to Service

Michael Corwin

NYCHA continues to bring outstanding employees, residents and other stakeholders to the attention of the public through its popular “I Am NextGen” campaign. Our latest honorees are caretaker Ivan Maestre, whose heroic response to a fire at Claremont Rehab saved a two-week-old baby (see here), and Frank Romano, Chief of Operations in the Energy and Sustainability Department, who received the Outstanding Partnership Award from Green City Force.

NYCHA Hero: On August 2, 2016, NYCHA Caretaker Ivan Maestre rescued a two-week old infant, four adults and the family pet from a third floor apartment fire at Claremont Rehab.

What motivates you to get to work on a lazy morning?

I know that the residents look forward to seeing me. As soon as they hear the keys jingling in the lock, they are there to say good morning, or ask me where I was after a day off.

How has the experience of saving residents from a fire at Claremont Rehab affected you?

I am even more aware of what goes on around me and I have more caution when working on the grounds. I also make sure that I know every corner of the buildings.

How has the experience affected you on a personal level?

The experience taught me to have confidence in taking a leap of faith and following your heart when the moment is right.

“Green City Force teaches young people a different way to live and how to think about energy usage, and it’s a great starting point for an energy career. If they like NYCHA, and enjoy the work they do at the developments, this is a terrific place to be.”

What kind of work did you do with Green City Force (GCF)?

GCF teaches young people about energy conservation and how to use energy more efficiently. I coordinated all operations in the field for GCF by setting up memorandums of understanding with developments they worked with, arranged resident meetings, and made sure that the resident associations were involved.

What is your impression of NYCHA’s GCF members?

They seem like very smart young people. I like to see them have a chance to show what they’re capable of doing. I hope they continue, go to college, and get an even better understanding of conservation measures.

What has your history been at NYCHA?

I started working at NYCHA in 1978 as a caretaker at Strauss Houses. In 1985, I took a leave and became a skilled trades glazier, but I came back to NYCHA in 1990. After being a caretaker, I moved up the ladder, as a heating plant technician, maintenance worker, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Now I’m Chief of Staff in the Energy and Sustainability unit of Capital Projects, and I enjoy what I do.