Leadership

• Frederick Shack, LMSW Chief Executive Officer
  Frederick Shack, LMSW

  Chief Executive Officer

  Frederick Shack serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Urban Pathways. He joined Urban Pathways in 2005 after a 14-year tenure with HELP USA, where he provided leadership as Senior Vice President of Client Services and Public Policy.

  Under Fred’s leadership, Urban Pathways has expanded significantly, nearly tripling in size. Over the past 18 years, the organization has added more than 800 units of affordable and supportive housing, and constructed nine buildings throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

  In addition to his role with Urban Pathways, Fred serves as a Senior Lecturer at the Columbia University School of Social Work, focusing on homeless policy and field supervision. He currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Board of the Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY), previously served as the Vice-Chair of the Board of the Human Services Council of New York, and he was a member of the boards of Homeless Services United and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) New York Chapter.  Fred has also co-chaired the Mayor’s Non-Profit-Resiliency Committee and the Human Services Recovery Taskforce and participated in the Mayor’s Supportive Housing Task Force.

  Fred was recently appointed by the Governor as a Member of the Not-For-Profit Contracting Advisory Committee, serves as a member of the Executive Committee of Racial Equity In Supportive Housing (RESH) and was appointed as Co-Chair to the Advisory Board for New York City’s newly created Office For Nonprofit Services. Additionally, City & State New York has recognized Fred as part of its annual Nonprofit Power 100 list since 2019.

  Fred holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University.

• Jose Cotto, LCSW Chief Program Officer
  Jose Cotto, LCSW

  Chief Program Officer

  Jose Cotto recently joined Urban Pathways and is responsible for all programmatic aspects. He brings with him a wealth of experience, with over a decade of dedicated work in various capacities serving individuals living with mental illness and homelessness. His most recent position was Senior Vice President at Institute for Community Living, Inc. During his tenure there, he oversaw Community Residences, Treatment Apartment, Supported Housing, Medical Respite, NY’s first housing launchpad, Assertive Community Treatment, Intensive Mobile Treatment and Pathway Home. Jose also has a long history of working with children and youth as a therapist and evaluator.

  Additionally, Jose is an adjunct faculty member at New York University and the University of Connecticut. He teaches courses ranging from advanced clinical practice to racism and oppression. UConn is where he earned his MSW. He received two BA’s from the University of Massachusetts. He has had the opportunity to present and publish articles on a number of topics including intimacy, risk management, clinical supervision, engagement, grief & loss, LGBTQIA+, Hispanic/Latine communities and evidence-based practices. His commitment to education and advocacy aligns well with our mission here at Urban Pathways.

• Nancy Crystal Director of Human Resources
  Nancy Crystal

  Director of Human Resources

  • LinkedIn

  Nancy Crystal has been Urban Pathways’ Director of Human Resources since 2008, bringing career experience in human resources management to an organization with more than 340 full- and part-time staff.  This experience has enabled Nancy to modernize and update human resources systems and capabilities, including compensation and benefits, recruitment and hiring, information systems management, and administrative and operational policies and procedures.

  Nancy received her undergraduate education at SUNY Buffalo, an MSW from Columbia University, and an MBA from Baruch College. Nancy is also certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

• Emily Drucker, Esq General Counsel
  Emily Drucker, Esq

  General Counsel

  • LinkedIn

  Emily Drucker joined Urban Pathways in 2022, bringing more than twenty-five years of legal experience in the nonprofit sector, working to uplift underserved communities and create opportunities for positive change.

  Immediately prior to joining Urban Pathways, Emily served as Assistant General Counsel to BronxWorks, a human service organization and settlement house in the Bronx. Before joining BronxWorks, Emily held a variety of legal as well as senior leadership roles in the nonprofit and governmental sector, including Deputy General Counsel to the 1199SEIU Family of Funds, Senior Director at the Department of Education, and mediator for the EEOC and the Southern District of New York.

  At Urban Pathways, Emily’s responsibilities include matters of corporate governance, organizational policy, human resources, real estate sales and leases, capital and construction development agreements, and tax-exempt and regulatory issues.

  Emily graduated with a BA from Cornell University and holds a JD from Fordham University School of Law.

• Ariel Garcia Chief Housing Development Officer
  Ariel Garcia

  Chief Housing Development Officer

  • LinkedIn

  Ariel Garcia comes to Urban Pathways with more than 13 years of combined housing development experience in the non-profit and private sectors.  His areas of expertise include the development of affordable housing, urban planning, and creative placemaking. Throughout his career, Ariel has helped develop over 1,300 units of affordable housing across six states and territories, with a total development cost in excess of $600 million.

  Prior to joining Urban Pathways, Ariel worked as the Assistant Vice President of Real Estate Development and Strategic Partnerships for Acacia Network.  His duties included managing day-to-day operations of an affiliated organization, developing and strengthening relations with developers and financial institutions, as well as with state and local officials to advance organizational goals and identify areas of growth. Prior to joining Acacia, Ariel lived in Minneapolis, MN working for Artspace, a non-profit organization and the nation’s leading developer of affordable artist live/workspace, where he led and managed a number of affordable housing projects across the US.

  Ariel holds a Master’s degree in Real Estate Development from New York University’s Schack Institute of Real Estate, a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Hunter College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Hunter College.

• Marta Goldman Chief Development & Communications Officer
  Marta Goldman

  Chief Development & Communications Officer

  • LinkedIn

  Marta Goldman came to Urban Pathways in 2022 with two decades of experience leading successful business development,  nonprofit fundraising, and marketing and communications initiatives.

  Immediately prior to joining Urban Pathways, Marta served as the Sr. Director of Giving and Marketing for New Reach, a Connecticut-based nonprofit that serves people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity throughout Greater New Haven and Fairfield County. Her work there centered around building a team to support the organization’s fundraising activities with a specific focus on growing private contributions and increasing the organization’s visibility within the community. Before her time at New Reach, Marta worked for a variety of organizations, including Yale University, the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, and the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts. Earlier in her career, she co-founded and led the growth of ECOMAIDS,  an environmentally friendly house cleaning franchise organization.

  Marta completed her undergraduate studies at SUNY Albany and holds a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from  Northeastern University.

• Nerell Herrera Corporate Facilities Director
  Nerell Herrera

  Corporate Facilities Director
• Gary P. Jenkins Chief Administrative Officer
  Gary P. Jenkins

  Chief Administrative Officer

  Gary P. Jenkins is the Chief Administrative Officer at Urban Pathways. Prior to joining the organization, Gary served as the managing director of not-for-profits and social services at Oaktree Solutions.

  Gary was appointed by Mayor Eric Adams in January of 2022 as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS), which oversees both the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and Department of Homeless Services (DHS). In this capacity, he was responsible for leading the largest local social services agency in the country. HRA serves over 3 million New Yorkers through the administration of major public assistance programs and strives to combat poverty and income inequality in New York City. DHS is the largest municipal shelter system in the nation and works to prevent homelessness, when possible, address street homelessness, provide safe temporary shelter, and connect New Yorkers experiencing homelessness to suitable housing. Together, DSS-HRA-DHS have a combined staff headcount of nearly 15,000 and a combined operating budget of nearly $13 billion.

  Gary’s 30-plus-year history with DSS-HRA-DHS began with a front-line position in HRA, where he rose through the ranks to become Administrator of HRA, eventually reaching the organization’s pinnacle when he was appointed to serve as Commissioner of DSS. During his tenure as Commissioner, he led the agency’s response to multiple crises, including the COVID-19 public health emergency and a humanitarian crisis when thousands of asylum seekers entered the DHS shelter system.

  In addition to HRA Administrator, Jenkins previously served as HRA First Deputy Commissioner, where he oversaw HRA’s Homelessness Prevention Administration (HPA), Career Services, the Office of Child Support Services, and the Fair Fares program. Prior to that, he served as Executive Deputy Commissioner of the Family Independence Administration, where he was responsible for and oversaw the administration of temporary cash assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and employment services for HRA clients.

  Gary received his master’s in public administration from Metropolitan College of New York in 2006 and his bachelor’s degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 1999.

  He resides in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and three adult daughters.

• Linda Knight, MSW Deputy Executive Director
• Lisa Lombardi, LMSW Deputy Executive Director
  Lisa Lombardi, LMSW

  Deputy Executive Director

  • LinkedIn

  Lisa Lombardi has been with Urban Pathways since 2009, overseeing the organization’s outreach, drop-in center, and safe haven programs – which are key to Urban Pathways’ mission of helping homeless New Yorkers find their way home – as well as its permanent supportive housing.  Lisa’s position at Urban Pathways is the latest in a career devoted to the underserved, including clinical leadership positions at HELP USA and St. Christopher-Ottilie.  Lisa also served as an adjunct professor at the Fordham School of Social Work.

  Lisa is a LMSW and holds undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degrees in Clinical Practice from Adelphi University.

• Christopher Mainor Director of IT
  Christopher Mainor

  Director of IT

  • LinkedIn

  Christopher comes to Urban Pathways with more than 20 years of experience in managing Information systems and telecommunications projects. For the past year, Christopher worked as the Director of IT for Hackensack Meridian Health Network, a network of healthcare providers that provides hospitals and other broad healthcare facilities and services in New Jersey. Christopher provided the leadership with strategic guidance, development, planning, contract negotiations and vendor/contract management/tracking for all outsourced IT operations across the Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) Network: over 63,000 users in multiple locations throughout the state of New Jersey.

  Prior to Meridian Health Network, Christopher worked for one year at The NY Proton Center as the Information Technology Management Consultant, where he was brought on to assist the Senior Management team with building the IT team from the start-up phase to the fully operational phase and built out a plan to ramp up support and services accordingly. Christopher also worked for five years at the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center as the Director of IT & Security Operations and as the senior technology advisor to the executive leadership team, where he defined strategic IT priorities governing infrastructure, architecture, and service delivery.

• Robert McPhillips Chief Financial Officer
  Robert McPhillips

  Chief Financial Officer

  • LinkedIn

  Robert McPhillips was Chief Financial Officer at Broadway Housing Communities prior to coming to Urban Pathways in 2014. At Urban Pathways, Bob is responsible for all financial aspects of the organization – including housing development, programs, and compliance with public and private funding requirements.  Before joining the nonprofit sector, Bob worked in the private sector for two decades as Assistant Treasurer for the Dun & Bradstreet Corporation and Assistant Treasurer of Pharmacia Corporation.

  Bob holds a BS from the University of Virginia and an MS from Yale University’s School of Organization and Management.

• Nicole McVinua, LMSW Director of Policy
  Nicole McVinua, LMSW

  Director of Policy

  • LinkedIn

  Nicole McVinua joined Urban Pathways in 2018 as the Policy Analyst and was promoted to the Director of Policy in 2019. Nicole leads the organization’s policy and advocacy initiatives, which focus on improving policies that impact the organization and the people we serve, as well as the broader landscapes of the nonprofit human services sector, homeless services, and access to affordable housing. She also facilitates the Tenant Advocacy Program, which provides opportunities for the people Urban Pathways serves to participate in the advocacy process and use their voices to promote positive change.

  Nicole is a licensed social worker who holds a BA in Sociology from Muhlenberg College and an MSW with a concentration in Policy Practice from Columbia University.

• Claire Mungiguerra Executive Assistant
  Claire Mungiguerra

  Executive Assistant

  • LinkedIn

  Claire Mungiguerra has had a long career in the management of health care and nonprofit organizations. Currently she is the executive assistant/office manager for the Chief Executive Officer at Urban Pathways, a nonprofit organization that provides homeless New Yorkers with supportive housing and services. She supports the CEO and serves as the liaison to the board of directors. Claire is the former director of operations at Allegiant Home Care and the American Red Cross in Greater New York.

  Claire has been a member of the Iona University Alumni Board since 2007, serving on the executive committee as both vice president and president. Currently she is the Secretary of Iona’s Alumni Board of Directors.

  Claire is a member of The New York Junior League, one of the nation’s oldest nonprofit women’s volunteer and training organizations. Having held several leadership positions, Claire currently serves as head of the Sustainer Council overseeing the management and programming for 900 volunteers.

  Claire has also served on the Iona University Advisory Trustees and the Christian Brothers Foundation.

• Mardoche Sidor, MD Medical Director
  Mardoche Sidor, MD

  Medical Director

  • LinkedIn

  Dr. Mardoche Sidor is a distinguished psychiatrist, educator, and leader in the field of mental health and community psychiatry. A Harvard and Columbia-trained quadruple board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Sidor brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his role as the new Medical Director at Urban Pathways.

  With board certifications in general adult psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and addiction psychiatry, Dr. Sidor has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health across the lifespan. His additional training in community and public psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and various psychotherapeutic modalities further enriches his clinical practice.

  For over seven years, Dr. Sidor served as Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he inspired and mentored the next generation of physicians. He has also held leadership positions on the board of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and various nonprofit organizations, demonstrating his dedication to advancing the field of mental health and improving mental health outcomes for all.

  Dr. Sidor’s commitment to serving underserved communities is evident in his previous roles as Medical Director for CASES (Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services) in New York City and the Multicultural Wellness Center in North Philadelphia. During his community psychiatry fellowship at Columbia University, he played a pivotal role in establishing a specialized unit at Riker’s Island, resulting in a significant decrease in violence among individuals with mental health needs.

  As the founder, president, and CEO of the SWEET Institute (Supporting Wellbeing through Empowerment Education and Training), Dr. Sidor has been providing support and tools to clinicians and staff, empowering them to deliver the best possible care to their clients. A sought-after speaker, Dr. Sidor has delivered talks nationally and internationally on topics such as social determinants of health, trauma, burnout, and community mental health.

  In addition to his extensive clinical and academic contributions, Dr. Sidor is an accomplished author, having written 13 books and over 400 blogs. His passion for helping individuals empower themselves and live their best possible lives shines through in all his endeavors.

  Dr. Sidor’s commitment to mentorship and coaching extends to medical students, physician trainees, early career physicians, and non-physician clinicians, including nurse practitioners, social workers, psychologists, and executives. His dedication tofostering the growth and development of others underscores his belief in the power of collaboration and shared learning.

  With his exceptional qualifications, unwavering dedication to advocacy, and passion for empowering individuals, Dr. Mardoche Sidor is poised to make a significant impact as the new Medical Director at Urban Pathways.

• Nancy Southwell, MSW Deputy Executive Director
  Nancy Southwell, MSW

  Deputy Executive Director

  • LinkedIn

  Nancy Southwell has been Deputy Executive Director at Urban Pathways since May 2018, with organizational responsibility for supportive housing.  She brings with her more than two decades of experience in developing and managing programs in housing, homelessness, health, mental health, and substance use disorders and treatment.  Her most recent position was Senior Vice President at Services for the Underserved, where she oversaw the Homeless Services and Veteran Services divisions.

  Nancy has a BS in Psychology from Fordham University and an MSW from the Hunter College School of Social Work.

• Dottie A. Stevenson, Ed.D., CLMS Chief People Officer
  Dottie A. Stevenson, Ed.D., CLMS

  Chief People Officer

  Dr. Stevenson is a seasoned human resources executive with over 29 years of experience in the nonprofit and corporate sectors. She is passionate about using her skills and experience to help organizations build strong and inclusive workforces.

  Dr. Stevenson began her career in human resources at Globe Tax Services, and throughout her career, has held a variety of roles in recruiting, employee relations, benefits, training, and DEI work. Most recently, Dr. Stevenson served as the Chief Human Resources Officer at the Mental Health Association of Westchester. In that role, she was responsible for all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, DEI, performance management, compensation, and benefits.

  Dr. Stevenson holds a Doctor of Education in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University, a Master of Science Education from Fordham University, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Audrey C. College-Metropolitan College of New York and a Paralegal Certification from Pace University. She is a Certified Leaves Management Specialist, is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and the Human Resource Certification Institute.

• Valerie C. Williams, CPA Director of Finance
  Valerie C. Williams, CPA

  Director of Finance

  Valerie Williams brings over 35 years of fiscal management experience in various sectors including: Banking, Public Accounting and Non-Profit Financial Management. In her various positions she was able to institute and /or streamline the monthly financial closing as well as enhance the monthly financial reporting.

  Prior to Joining Urban pathways Valerie served as Controller for the Historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, NY. During her time at Abyssinian she was able to achieve Unqualified Audit opinion every year.

  Valerie has served on the Board of Directors of BRITE Initiative since 2010 a Charitable Organization devoted Bringing Relief Internationally through Education to the children of Haiti.

  Valerie holds a Master’s degree in taxation Cum Laude from Baruch College and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting Magna Cum Laude from Hunter College. She has maintained her Certified Public Accounting License since 1992.

• Lesmore Willis, Jr. Chief Compliance Officer
  Lesmore Willis, Jr.

  Chief Compliance Officer

  • LinkedIn

  Lesmore Willis Jr. brings extensive expertise in compliance leadership and risk management. Formerly the Chief Compliance Officer at The Jewish Board of Family and Children Services, he led compliance efforts for health and human services, empowering New Yorkers towards independence.

  With roles including Principal and Risk Management Consultant at E4Z Inc., Lesmore developed strategic programs for business growth. As Chief Compliance Officer at Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, he ensured regulatory adherence and oversaw Medicaid contracts.

  Lesmore holds a Master’s degree in Health/Health Care Administration/Management from Central Michigan University, a Master of Public Administration from Metropolitan College of New York, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government from Virginia State University.