(BROOKLYN, NY) – The Board of Directors at IMPACCT Brooklyn, the nonprofit dedicated to fostering flourishing communities and supporting local businesses in Brooklyn, has appointed Jamal C. Robinson as Executive Director, effective September 3, 2024.
Mr. Robinson joins IMPACCT Brooklyn with experience in real estate development, large-scale IT project management, and commercial real estate investing. He served in various roles at JP Morgan Chase and Co., most recently as a Community Development Real Estate Banker, where he worked to grow and revitalize neighborhoods in New York and the Central U.S. In 2023, his team facilitated $317 million in affordable housing construction and permanent loans, resulting in the creation of 2,296 affordable rental units for veterans, seniors, people with special needs, and many more. Before entering the civilian workforce, Jamal spent eight years in the U.S. Army in assignments including Commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, United States Military Academy (USMA); Great Lakes Region Diversity Outreach Officer, USMA Directorate of Admissions; and in other positions of increasing responsibility.
“Jamal brings clear passion for our mission and deep experience in leadership and real estate development,” said Yvonne I. Cummings, Board Chair at IMPACCT Brooklyn. “We have every confidence that he will keep our organization on point creating and maintaining affordable housing and helping small business owners in Central Brooklyn as these goals become ever more challenging.”
“I am truly honored and excited to join this organization committed to developing, preserving, and building strong, vibrant neighborhoods in Central Brooklyn,” said Mr. Robinson.
Mr. Robinson graduated from the United States Military Academy in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Chemical Corps. He completed his service to the country at the rank of Captain. He holds three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Environmental Management (Webster University) as well as Real Estate Development (New York University) and a Master of Public Administration (New York University).
Mr. Robinson will succeed Interim Executive Director Diana Breen. An expert in interim leadership, IMPACCT Brooklyn is Ms. Breen’s seventh Interim Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer role. Together, Ms. Breen and Mr. Robinson will ensure a seamless leadership transition for IMPACCT Brooklyn, overlapping through September 13, 2024.
This exciting hire could not have been possible without the deep commitment of IMPACCT Brooklyn’s Search Committee, led by Board Treasurer Marlene Zurack. Board Chair Yvonne I. Cummings, Board Vice-Chair Daniel Fennessey, Board Secretary Patricia “Nia” Rock and Board members Lisa Davis, John Dew, Lloyd Senior and Elizabeth Zeldin served on the Committee. Various staff and other Board members dedicated time, insights, and expertise during this search. Executive search firm Korn Ferry was instrumental during the search process.
Celebrating a 60-year legacy of economic development, it’s an exhilarating time at IMPACCT Brooklyn to welcome new leadership. IMPACCT Brooklyn recently opened the 811 Lexington Avenue Senior Residences, situated on a 15,500 square foot lot in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The transformative project offers affordable living for older New Yorkers, with 64 units of deeply affordable housing specifically designated for older adults at risk of homelessness. IMPACCT Brooklyn plans to open a second affordable housing project in 2024 in Bedford-Stuyvesant at 778 Myrtle Avenue, featuring 60 affordable units and 3,000 square feet of commercial space.
About IMPACCT Brooklyn
IMPACCT Brooklyn, formerly known as the Pratt Area Community Council, is a prominent community development corporation dedicated to assisting residents in building and sustaining flourishing communities in Brooklyn with a focus across Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bedford Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, and Brownsville. Collaborating closely with community members, IMPACCT Brooklyn actively works towards preserving and developing affordable housing, revitalizing local businesses, fostering homeownership opportunities, safeguarding tenant rights, and preventing home loss.
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