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NYCHA Now
Exceptional Colleagues October 2023 

Meet the Coaching and Mentoring Leadership Academy Participants

Nii Akrofi Smart-Abbey

In January 2023, NYCHA launched its first-ever Coaching and Mentoring Leadership Academy (CMLA). Participants in the 16-week program received training and coaching in areas such as strategic communications and crisis management, and they had the opportunity to enhance their leadership and management skills through mentorship.        

Read on to learn more about a few of the mentors and mentees participating in the Leadership Academy.   

Assistant Property Maintenance Supervisor Michael Wilkinson and Managing Attorney Charles Furrey  

Michael Wilkinson is an Assistant Property Maintenance Supervisor at Brownsville Houses

Michael Wilkinson started his NYCHA career in 2014 as a Maintenance Worker; he is currently an Assistant Property Maintenance Supervisor at Brownsville Houses in Brooklyn. He joined the CMLA to network and learn from colleagues in different departments within the Authority.  

“My experience with CMLA was eye opening,” said Mr. Wilkinson. “Learning from leaders in NYCHA gave me insight into where I would like my career to go.” 

Charles Furrey is the Managing Attorney in the Office of the General Counsel

Charles Furrey is currently the Managing Attorney in the Office of the General Counsel; he previously served as Deputy Managing Attorney. Before joining NYCHA, Mr. Furrey worked at the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission, in roles such as the agency’s Language Access and Plain Language Coordinator, Assistant General Counsel, and Deputy Chief of Staff. He holds a BS and MS in biology from the University of Toledo and attended the Cardozo School of Law.  

Mr. Furrey joined the CMLA to share his experiences and to network. 

“The CMLA program is an exciting and meaningful program where colleagues from different backgrounds and experiences across the Authority can connect,” said Mr. Furrey. “NYCHA is a tremendously dynamic and interesting organization, so I appreciate any opportunity to meet more of my colleagues and understand their roles and career journeys. I especially appreciated connecting with my mentee, Michael Wilkinson. Michael has a clear dedication to the organization, our mission, and the residents we serve. I look forward to following his continued journey at NYCHA and being a resource for him however I can.”