Meet Richard Meyers, Project Manager in Asset & Capital Management

Richard Meyers has over 25 years of experience managing construction projects at college campuses, hotels, Universal Orlando rides, American Dream theme parks, and more – yet his most rewarding projects have been at NYCHA developments in service of NYCHA residents. 

Mr. Meyers joined NYCHA in summer 2019 as a project manager in Asset & Capital Management. He oversees a team that completes capital projects designed to repair and upgrade NYCHA properties while improving residents’ quality of life. 

“The best thing about working at NYCHA is that even though our work is challenging, it’s also extremely rewarding that I get to work with amazing colleagues who work very hard to deliver improvements in essential services for residents and their communities,” he said. “It’s rewarding to see residents experiencing relief and know that everyone is listening to them and understanding their issues.” 

Since joining NYCHA, Mr. Meyers has been involved in numerous projects. At Jackson Houses he oversaw development-wide electrical and gas upgrades, which involved replacing electrical feeders from the street to the buildings, installing new equipment in electrical meter rooms, and replacing gas risers at all seven buildings. The electrical feeder work received a 2022 Project Achievement Award from the Construction Management Association of America, which recognized the project team — including NYCHA construction partner STV — for completing the work ahead of schedule and under budget. 

At Johnson Houses he oversaw the installation of exterior security-related lighting upgrades and replacements, which involved putting in new LED lighting along walkways, entrances, and gathering spaces across the development as well as the removal of outdated light fixtures, poles, and associated foundations. 

Mr. Meyers said maintaining open communication with all parties involved, including property management, contractors, and especially residents, is the key to a successful project. Being receptive to feedback from residents is particularly important; Mr. Meyers noted that the lighting at Johnson was updated after a review with residents. 

Also during the lighting project at Johnson, Mr. Meyers noticed that the flagpole at the development had no lights. “As a veteran myself, I understand the importance of respecting veterans and the [American] flag. Through proper management of the project, I was able to include lighting for the flagpole. At a night walk-through, there was a veteran who mentioned that he’d never seen the flag lit, and it’s supposed to be lit when it’s up at night; he was happy. If you have veterans at the development, we’re showing them we care.” 

Mr. Meyers served in the Navy from 1988 to 1993 as an Electrician’s Mate Petty Officer Second Class. After the Navy, he began his construction career for a general contractor, where he worked for 22 years; he started as an electrician and worked his way up to project manager. While working second shift, he studied business management at Kean University and received a bachelor’s degree in 2015. 

Prior to NYCHA, as a project manager with one of the country’s largest contractors, Mr. Meyers worked on the American Dream mall in Rutherford, New Jersey, the largest mall and entertainment complex on the East Coast at three million square feet. He and his team were responsible for HVAC, electrical, and gas for the amusement and water parks at the mall.  

Mr. Meyers brings his vast experience of managing all phases of multiple large-scale projects – while delivering them on time and within budget – to serve NYCHA residents. His professionalism and hands-on approach have been praised by residents, colleagues, and elected officials. 

“Mr. Meyers served as NYCHA’s project manager here at Jackson Houses for both our electrical and gas upgrade projects,” said Daniel Barber, Resident Association President of Jackson Houses and Chair of the Citywide Council of Presidents. “His professionalism and hands-on approach were a driving force in helping bring both projects to a successful completion. Furthermore, Mr. Meyers always ensured that the residents’ interests were put first, and worked extremely closely with our contractors to minimize disruptions to our residents’ daily activities. On behalf of myself and the residents of Andrew Jackson Houses, we appreciate you and the quality of service that you showed during our projects.” 

City Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala sent a letter of gratitude to thank Mr. Meyers and the construction and electrical contractors, saying that their “collaborative efforts along with the Johnson Houses resident’s association board and our office focused on residents’ safety and attention to every detail of the job [and] made the residents feel appreciated…Thank you again for a job well done, for incorporating the input of residents and elected officials, and for completing the project several months ahead of schedule.”