Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 26, 2016
CONTACT: media@nycha.nyc.gov | (212) 306-3322

MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS NNENNA LYNCH TO NYCHA BOARD


NYCHA gains seasoned leader in affordable housing, urban affairs

NEW YORK— Nnenna Lynch,who has a strong track record in urban policy and economic development, has been appointed by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Board, NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye announced today.

“Nnenna’s expertise in housing and economic development will make her a great addition to the NYCHA Board,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “She has worked in both the public and private sector, creating new jobs and opportunities for New Yorkers. I am confident that she will serve the best interests of New York City public housing residents.”

“We’re pleased to have Nnenna on our team as we move forward with implementing our NextGeneration NYCHA plan,” said NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye. “Her commitment to neighborhoods and New York will help us as we work to create, safe, clean and connected communities for our residents.”

“I am honored to have been asked to serve on the NYCHA board,” said incoming NYCHA Board Member Nnenna Lynch. “Chair Olatoye has put together an ambitious plan in NextGen NYCHA. I look forward to doing what I can to assist with its implementation – a critical endeavor for NYCHA residents and our city.”

Ms. Lynch is Director of Development at The Georgetown Company, a real estate development and management company. Prior to that, she served as Senior Policy Advisor to former Mayor Michael Bloomberg for six years. Ms. Lynch helped develop and implement economic development policies and projects such as the redevelopment of Atlantic Yards, which has resulted in the creation of thousands of new jobs with the opening of the state-of-the-art Barclays Center, as well as the construction of new housing and commercial space.

Before serving in government, Ms. Lynch was a partner at Urban Green Builders, LLC, a real estate development company focused on transportation-based, mixed-use affordable and workforce housing projects, and worked as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs. She was also a professional runner, and took home the gold medal in the women’s 5,000-meter event at the World University Games in 1997.

Ms. Lynch, a born-and-raised New Yorker, graduated from Hunter College High School, has a B.A. in Sociology from Villanova University, and earned a Masters in Social Anthropology at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. She is a Trustee of Villanova University, a board member of the Association of American Rhodes Scholars and the New York Road Runners club, as well as a member of the Robin Hood Foundation's Housing Advisory Board. Ms. Lynch resides in Harlem, with her husband and two children.

As she welcomed Ms. Lynch, Chair Olatoye also thanked outgoing NYCHA Board member Richard D. Baron for his service. His expert counsel in matters relating to affordable housing development was a great asset for the Authority, as one of the main goals of NextGeneration NYCHA is expanding and preserving public and affordable housing.

The NYCHA Board is comprised of seven members appointed by the Mayor and includes three public housing resident members. The Mayor designates one of the members as the Chair. The Chair is the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority and is responsible for supervising the business and affairs of the Authority. Members’ duties include voting on contracts, resolutions, policies, motions, rules, and regulations.


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