Ben Israel

Ben Israel Managing Director, Apollo (he/him/his) Ben Israel is a Managing Director in the real estate group at Apollo, with a focus on business strategy, execution, and capital markets for Apollo’s global real estate platform. In his role, Ben is involved with developing and implementing strategic growth initiatives, including Mergers & Acquisitions and organic business […]

Jessie M. Gabriel

Jessie M. Gabriel Founder, All Places (she/her/hers) In 2020, Jessie stepped down as head of a Big Law investment funds practice to launch All Places, a law firm inspired by the statement by RBG that, “women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” They believe the most critical factor to achieving that goal […]

Elaine Calos

Elaine Calos (she/her/hers) Elaine worked for 21 years for the city’s Housing Preservation and Development Department (HPD), where she led various programs focused on the rehabilitation and new construction of affordable housing. Elaine had the pleasure of working with New Destiny on multiple occasions and was thrilled to be invited to join their Board after […]

Sarah Blas

Sarah Blas (she/her/hers) Sarah Blas is a native New Yorker and a mother of six. She has made it her life’s mission to combat identity-based oppression within vulnerable communities. With over two decades of experience in her field, she has been a transformative force in New York City.   Sarah has been at the helm of […]

Lane Addonizio

Lane Addonizio (she/her/hers) Lane has served on the Board of New Destiny Housing since 2003. An urban planner and historian with expertise in parks / public space and community engagement, Lane served as the principal planner on the capital projects team at the Central Park Conservancy for twenty years before starting her practice as an […]

Paula Sarro

Paula Sarro, Secretary Associate Executive Director, Mercy Center (she/her/hers) Paula is the Associate Executive Director at Mercy Center, a community center located in the South Bronx in New York City. Mercy Center provides education, immigration, and social support services to over 3,700 low-income women, men, and children each year. Paula is responsible for oversight of […]

Blanca Ramirez

Blanca Ramirez, 2nd Vice Chair President and CEO, Comunilife, Inc (she/her/hers) With over 20 years of experience in the supportive / affordable housing and community development sectors, Blanca she has worked in various roles at both non-profit and for-profit organizations, ranging from city to national levels.  Throughout her career, Blanca has demonstrated expertise in leveraging […]

Marcus Galloway

Marcus Galloway Director of Mental Health Services (he/him/his) Marcus has worked in the mental health field for over 15 years. He is originally from Detroit, Michigan, where he supervised a juvenile treatment facility for adjudicated youth. Since moving to New York in 2014, Marcus has worked with young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, provided […]

Blake Johnson

Blake Johnson Family Support Program, Regional Director – Brooklyn & Queens (he/him/his) Blake is the Regional Director for Family Support Program in Brooklyn and Queens, providing onsite supportive services to tenants. He has worked in the domestic violence field for over 10 years, initially in Boston before moving to New York. Prior to New Destiny, […]

Nick Lundgren

Nick Lundgren General Counsel (he/him/his) Nick oversees all of New Destiny’s legal matters, providing legal advice and guidance to the board, executive team, and staff regarding our development projects, programs, and administration to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law. He comes to New Destiny after having served for the past 4 […]