Meet George Gomez, Supervisor of REES Job Generation 

Connecting NYCHA residents to sustainable employment has a deeper meaning for George Gomez. 

As the Supervisor of Job Generation in NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability (REES), Mr. Gomez works with NYCHA departments, development partners, and contractors to provide residents with a variety of economic opportunities, including training and employment.  

“I’ve definitely found a sense of purpose in the work that we are doing here,” said Mr. Gomez, who joined REES as a Project Manager in March 2019 after serving in the private sector for over 20 years.  

The former NYCHA resident said he can relate to the perspective of residents who may be struggling to find lasting employment and are hoping to get an opportunity to support their families and improve their lives. After learning about the Authority’s Transformation Plan and the various efforts to expand residents’ access to jobs, Mr. Gomez said joining the NYCHA team was an easy decision.  

“When I came in, I was very quickly hooked with the work that we do,” recalled Mr. Gomez, who previously lived at Sack Wern Houses in the Bronx. “One of the things that I want to do within my capacity is to advocate for residents and, more importantly, support residents and provide hope.”  

In his role with REES’ Job Generation division, Mr. Gomez supervises project managers who oversee NYCHA development projects across the city. He works closely with NYCHA departments, including Real Estate Development, and development and community partners to help get residents placed into construction jobs at a NYCHA project site. Other responsibilities include supporting the NYCHA Resident Training Academy (NRTA) and HireNYCHA initiatives to connect participants to employment and union apprenticeships, as well as assisting residents throughout the job referral process.  

As part of NYCHA’s efforts to preserve housing through PACT (Permanent Affordability Commitment Together) and other similar programs, the Job Generation unit provides access to skills-building training and construction-related employment. It also helps with recruitment for temporary and permanent positions, including property management and social services, while working with partners to address staffing needs for the specific project.  

“We work in partnership with developers to really think creatively about the different training programs and employment opportunities that are afforded to the residents,” Mr. Gomez explained. “It’s really focused and targeted to the needs of the project, and what we’re trying to promote is economic sustainability.”  

Lenese Vergara, Assistant Director of Job Generation, called Mr. Gomez a hard worker who has gained the respect of his staff and is extremely reliable. 

“He not only effortlessly engages with residents seeking employment opportunities but also works with NYCHA vendors to expand economic opportunities for NYCHA residents,” she said. “He is an exemplary leader who is always ensuring that residents are at the forefront of our service.” 

In working with resident job seekers of varying ages, Mr. Gomez said he aims to educate them about the placement process and inform them of the various services REES provides. The Job Generation team is focused on “employment and career advancement,” one of four key service areas at REES, which supports residents in increasing their income and assets through programs, policies, and collaborations.  

“At REES, we’re trying to provide services that really connect residents in a way that is meaningful to them,” he stated. “We’ve had residents share success stories about how we have supported their development or connected them to economic opportunities that have allowed them to live well and provide for their family.” 

Ms. Vergara cited an example where Mr. Gomez oversaw a training partnership with Building Skills NY that led to 17 NYCHA residents being trained in construction and connected to employment opportunities. In 2022, the Job Generation team contributed to more than 600 resident job placements, she noted.  

“George has been tasked with managing several high-level initiatives within the department and has often emerged as a leader,” Ms. Vergara said. “He is professional and has a strong drive for success.” 

Calling his experience at NYCHA a “tremendous opportunity,” Mr. Gomez said he is thankful for the relationships he has developed with residents and staff and proud to help workers on their path to a sustainable career.  

“I feel like we’re changing lives one resident at a time,” he said.