Governor Hochul Illuminates New York Landmarks in Solidarity with the People of Ukraine

 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State landmarks will be lit blue and yellow March 24, marking one month since the beginning of the Russian invasion, in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

“As the proud home of the largest Ukrainian population in the United States, New York will continue to stand by the Ukrainian people in their fight against tyranny and oppression,” Governor Hochul said. “Our prayers are with the innocent victims of the unconscionable violence that continues to be perpetrated on a free and sovereign nation.”

Governor Hochul launched a new website containing resources offered by New York State and its partners to help Ukrainian people and their friends and allies here in New York. This follows the Governor’s announcement warning consumers about scams and cybersecurity threats amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In an additional show of support, the Governor also announced the Ukrainian flag will be flown on the Capitol building, the Executive Mansion, and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services headquarters.

Last week, the Governor announced an Executive Order to prohibit state agencies and authorities from contracting with entities that continue to do business in Russia. In early March, Governor Hochul announced actions to strengthen the Department of Financial Services' (DFS) enforcement of sanctions against Russia, including the expedited procurement of additional blockchain analytics technology. In February, Governor Hochul ordered all state agencies and authorities to divest public funds from Russia and stop doing business with Russian companies.

The landmarks to be lit in solidarity with the people of Ukraine include:

• One World Trade Center
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge  
• Kosciuszko Bridge 
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building 
• State Education Building 
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building  
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds - Main Gate and Expo Center 
• Niagara Falls
• The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge 
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct 
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal 

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center News and Notes - 3/25/22

 

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful!

Reminders Shabbos Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar. Here are the times you need:   Shabbos Candles Friday 3/25/22 @ 6:55 pm Shabbos morning services at 8:45 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely.  Shabbos Ends Saturday 3/26/22 @ 7:59 pm   There is NO Membership Meeting on Sunday 3/27 Some of you may have received a postal mail from Phil Baiser discussing a membership meeting on Sunday, 3/27.  THERE IS NO SUCH MEETING BEING HELD.  DO NOT PLAN ON ATTENDING. A separate communication from the Board will be sent out via postal mail discussing the items in Phil's mail, which was not authorized by the Board and which contained both a lot of misinformation and privileged information that should not have been shared.  Please do not disseminate the information contained in that mail any further.

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul on Supreme Court Granting Preliminary Injunction to Preserve the Waterfront Commission

 

“The Supreme Court has granted our motion for a preliminary injunction preventing New Jersey from unilaterally withdrawing from the Waterfront Commission. Coming less than 24 hours after New York filed our reply, this swift decision is a victory for the safety of New Yorkers and for the health of our economy. In light of current geopolitical uncertainty, the work of the Waterfront Commission in combatting crime at the port and protecting vital industries is more important than ever before. I thank Attorney General James, Solicitor General Underwood, and the entire team for their work on this case on behalf of New York State. We will continue to fight for New Yorkers to crack down on corruption and crime and protect the safe transport of goods.”

DEC ADVISES OF AVALANCHE RISK IN ADIRONDACKS DUE TO WARMER WEATHER

 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today advised backcountry users in the Adirondacks, especially the High Peaks region, of potential avalanche risk following mild temperatures and high winds. Avalanche danger increases during thaws when warmer weather and rain melt existing snowpack and snow becomes increasingly unstable as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles. 

Backcountry hikers, downhill skiers, snowboarders, and other visitors who may traverse slides or steep, open terrain should be aware of and prepared for avalanche conditions. Avalanches can occur in any situation where snow, slope, and weather conditions combine to create instability in the snowpack. While the majority of steep, open terrain is found in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, avalanche-prone terrain is found on mountains throughout the Adirondack Mountains. Skiers, snowboarders, and hikers should assess their own experience level before going into the backcountry and should be equipped with avalanche safety tools and knowledge, including participation in an avalanche safety course. 

Recently, DEC Forest Rangers led a search in the Adirondacks for a 63-year-old individual who planned to climb Mount Colden on the weekend of March 11, but failed to return. On March 18, Forest Rangers and volunteer rescuers located the subject deceased in the Trap Dike under approximately four feet of snow. After consulting experts at the National Avalanche Center, evidence suggests an avalanche may have occurred at the site. However, without an eyewitness and due to changing snow conditions, it is impossible to say for certain if the snow accumulation was the result of an avalanche or drifted snow.

An avalanche was confirmed on a slide located on Wright Mountain on Feb. 12, 2022. Two skiers were initially buried. One of the two skiers was able to self-rescue and locate and dig out his companion. Both skiers had proper safety gear including shovels, beacons, and transceivers. The pair had also practiced rescue techniques before the trip.

How to Minimize Risk 

Individuals headed outdoors can reliably avoid avalanches by recognizing and avoiding avalanche terrain. Travel on the valley floor away from large avalanche runouts, along ridgetops above avalanche paths, in dense timber, or on slopes of 25 degrees or less that do not have steeper slopes above them. Avoid cornices, or hanging masses of hardened snow. 

Risk cannot be entirely eliminated if traversing avalanche terrain, but risk can be minimized by using techniques: climb, descend, or cross avalanche areas one at a time; cross a slope at the very top or bottom if possible; climb or descend the edge of a slope rather than the center; carry and know how to use avalanche rescue gear; and turn back or alter the route if signs of unstable snow are detected. 

Signs of Danger 

When the snow cover is very unstable, nature often broadcasts clear danger signals. Fresh avalanches are the best clue. Snow that cracks, collapses, or makes hollow sounds is unstable. Weak layers that are found by digging snow pits are signs of unstable snow. Snow that has become wet from thaw or rain can be dangerous. Even if no signs of unstable snow are found, individuals should always travel observing the techniques listed above to minimize risk. 

Be Prepared 

Outdoor adventurers should always have an avalanche transceiver (or beacon), shovel, and a collapsible or ski-pole probe during avalanche conditions and should practice frequently to be proficient in using a beacon. However, visitors should not take extra risk just because rescue equipment is available to be used and should always carry a day pack with enough equipment to spend the night. 

What to do if Caught in an Avalanche 

Surviving avalanches can depend on luck, but it is always better to avoid avalanches in the first place. Remember that only one of three victims buried without a beacon survives. If caught in an avalanche, first try to escape to the side, or grab a tree or rock. If knocked down, get rid of poles, skis, and a heavy pack. Swim with the avalanche to try to stay on top and avoid trees. When the avalanche slows down, reach the surface or make an airpocket. 

Safe Travel Techniques 

• Never put everyone on the slope. Only one person should be on the slope at a time.
• Have an escape route planned. Always think avalanche - What will you do if the slope slides? Have a plan before you travel.
• Use slope cuts. Keep your speed up and cut across the starting zone, so that if the slope slides, your momentum can carry you off the moving slab into safer terrain. You can do this on skis, snowboards or on snowmobiles.
• Watch out for cornices, which tend to break farther back than expected. Always give them a wide berth. NEVER walk out to the edge of a drop-off without first checking it out. Many people have died this way.
• If it looks too dangerous, find a safer route. Use terrain to your advantage. Follow ridges, thick trees and slopes with safer consequences. You can almost always go back the way you came. The route got you there, it will most likely get you back as well.
• If there's no other choice, go underground. You can almost always weather out a bad storm or bad avalanche by digging a snow cave or seeking the shelter of a crevasse. You may be uncomfortable but you will be alive.

To contact a Forest Ranger, whether it's for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on State lands and easements, call 833-NYS-RANGERS.

NYS Economy Added 39,800 Private Sector Jobs in February 2022

 

The Number of Private Sector Jobs in New York State Grew by 0.5% in February

 According to preliminary seasonally adjusted figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor, the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 39,800, or 0.5%, to 7,888,300 in February 2022. By comparison, the number of private sector jobs in the U.S. increased by 0.5% in February 2022.

    New York State's private sector jobs (not seasonally adjusted) increased by 458,000, or 6.3%, over the year in February 2022. By comparison, the number of private sector jobs in the U.S. increased by 5.4% over the year.

   New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 5.3% to 4.9% in February 2022.

    The number of private sector jobs in New York State is based on a payroll survey of 18,000 New York businesses conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Monthly payroll employment estimates are preliminary and subject to revision as more complete data become available the following month. The BLS calculates New York State’s unemployment rate based partly upon the results of the monthly Current Population Survey (CPS) of approximately 3,100 households in the State.

Note: Seasonally adjusted data are used to provide the most valid month-to-month comparison. Non-seasonally adjusted data are valuable in year-to-year comparisons of the same month – for example, February 2021 versus February 2022.

Statewide Industry Employment

February 2022 – Seasonally Adjusted

• On a net basis, the total number of nonfarm jobs in the state increased by 30,600 over the month, while private sector jobs rose by 39,800, in February 2022.

• At the same time, the total number of nonfarm jobs in the nation increased by 678,000, while private sector jobs increased by 654,000.

NYS' Nonfarm Job Growth Lagged the Nation's

Over-the-Month % Change in Total Nonfarm & Private Sector Jobs, January – February 2022  

Total Nonfarm and Private Sector Jobs Increased in February 2022 Total Nonfarm and Private Sector Jobs (in 1000s), February 1990 – February 2022 Statewide Unemployment February 2022 – Seasonally Adjusted In February 2022, the statewide unemployment rate decreased from 5.3% to 4.9% New York City’s unemployment rate decreased over the month from 7.6% to 7.0%. Outside of New York City, the unemployment rate decreased from 3.6% to 3.4%, reaching its lowest level on record (current records date back to 1976). The number of unemployed New Yorkers decreased over the month by 36,500, from 498,700 in January to 462,200 in February 2022. NYS Unemployment Rate Fell by 0.4 Percentage Points in February 2022 Labor Force Statistics, February 2021, January - February 2022 The Labor Force and Number of Unemployed Fell in February 2022 Total Labor Force & Number of Unemployed, February 2010 - February 2022 NYS and US Unemployment Rate Decreased Unemployment Rate, NYS & US, February 2010 - February 2022 Unemployment Rate Fell in NYC and in Balance of State Unemployment Rate, NYC & BOS, February 2010 - February 2022

OPERATION CHOPPING BLOCK: TWO ALLEGED GANG MEMBERS INDICTED FOR SELLING 33 FIREARMS TO UNDERCOVER OFFICER

 

Weapons Had Been in Circulation, At Least Two Were Used in Shootings; Guns Sold Include Assault Rifles and Ghost Guns

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York City Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell today announced that two Bronx men have been indicted for selling 33 weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices to an undercover NYPD officer.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendants allegedly sold these deadly weapons, many of them loaded, on the streets of the Bronx in broad daylight. All but a handful of these guns have been here for some time; at least two of the guns have been connected to shootings in the Bronx and Manhattan. While we focus on the Iron Pipeline bringing new guns from out of state, this is a case of stopping criminals from recycling weapons that are destroying our communities. I thank the courageous undercover officer for helping to make the Bronx safer.”

 Commissioner Sewell said, “The NYPD and our law enforcement partners are focused on anything or anyone threatening the safety of the people we serve and every gun we take off our streets is another realization of the public-safety promise we make every day, to every New Yorker. I want to commend and thank the NYPD’s Firearms Suppression Section, the Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau of the Bronx County DA’s Office, the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and all the investigators and prosecutors who worked on this important case.”

 Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Special Agent in Charge Tim Foley said, “Today’s arrests put two gang members in jail and shut down access to a gun cache in our backyard. We have seen gun violence and drug trafficking become partners in crime; but law enforcement collaboration is tracking down those responsible in order to make our communities safer. I commend the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, the New York City Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations New York for their partnership and laudable efforts throughout this investigation.”

 Homeland Security Investigations New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel said, “Anytime an illegally owned gun is removed from the street, it undoubtedly makes our communities safer. HSI stands with our partners at the ATF, Bronx District Attorney’s Office, the NYPD and the DEA to do whatever it takes to combat gun violence and stem the flow of violent crime throughout New York City. HSI will continue to forge law enforcement partnerships and utilize every tool in its arsenal to vigorously pursue any individual involved in the trafficking of illegal weapons, a necessity in preserving public safety and stopping gun violence.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendants, Dereck Velasquez, 29, AKA “Chop,” and Eric Colvin, 26, both of the Bronx, were indicted on 242 counts, including Criminal Sale of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Conspiracy, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Ammunition, Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance In or Near School Grounds, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. The defendants were arrested today. They both were arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Albert Lorenzo. The defendants were remanded and are due back in court on March 29, 2022.

 The four-month investigation dubbed “Operation Chopping Block,” was conducted by the Bronx District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau and the NYPD’s DEA Firearms Task Force of the NYPD’s Firearms Suppression Section, with U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Division and Homeland Security Investigations New York.

  According to the investigation, the defendants sold most of the weapons in the Bronx on Jackson Avenue, East 163rd Street and other streets near the Forest Houses in the Morrisania section. Four of the transactions occurred in Harlem.

 The weapons were transferred in broad daylight. In one incident, weapons were held in a laundry bag and pushed in a cart by the seller who then dumped them into the undercover officer’s vehicle.

 Investigators traced two of the firearms to shootings in the Bronx and Manhattan through ballistics evidence found at the scenes, and the investigation continues into the origins of the guns and whether any others have been used in crimes. Two of the firearms are ghost guns, which have no serial numbers and may be composed of 3D printed parts.

 The investigation was conducted by the NYPD’s Firearms Suppression Section, Detective Harish Mansharamani, Sergeant Brian O’Hanlon, Captain Jeffrey Heilig, Inspector Brian Gill; and Assistant Chief Christopher McCormack and Chief of Detectives James Essig.

 District Attorney Clark thanked the DEA’s Group D-34, New York Division for their assistance in the investigation. Group D-34 comprises DEA, NYPD Firearms Investigations Unit, Amtrak Police and Port Authority Police. District Attorney Clark thanked HSI for its assistance in the investigation. 

 An indictment is an accusatory instrument and is not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

Two Defendants Charged In Non-Fungible Token (“NFT”) Fraud And Money Laundering Scheme

 

Defendants Executed a $1 Million NFT Fraud Scheme in January 2022, and Were Preparing to Execute a Second Prior to Their Arrests

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), Ricky J. Patel, the Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Department of Homeland Security (“HSI”), and Daniel B. Brubaker, Acting Inspector-in-Charge of the New York Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), announced that  ETHAN NGUYEN, a/k/a “Frostie,” a/k/a “Jakefiftyeight,” a/k/a “Jobo,” a/k/a “Joboethan,” a/k/a “Meltfrost,” and ANDRE LLACUNA, a/k/a “heyandre,” were charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, in connection with a million-dollar scheme to defraud purchasers of NFTs advertised as “Frosties.”  Rather than providing the benefits advertised to Frosties NFT purchasers, NGUYEN and LLACUNA transferred the cryptocurrency proceeds of the scheme to various cryptocurrency wallets under their control.  Prior to their arrests in Los Angeles, California, NGUYEN and LLACUNA were preparing to launch the sale of a second set of NFTs advertised as “Embers,” which was anticipated to generate approximately $1.5 million in cryptocurrency proceeds. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “NFTs have been around for several years, but recently mainstream interest has skyrocketed. Where there is money to be made, fraudsters will look for ways to steal it. As we allege, Mr. Nguyen and Mr. Llacuna promised investors the benefits of the Frosties NFTs, but when it sold out, they pulled the rug out from under the victims, almost immediately shutting down the website and transferring the money. Our job as prosecutors and law enforcement is to protect investors from swindlers looking for a payday.”

IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso said: “NFTs represent a new era for financial investments, but the same rules apply to an investment in an NFT or a real estate development. You can’t solicit funds for a business opportunity, abandon that business and abscond with money investors provided you. Our team here at IRS-CI and our partners at HSI closely track cryptocurrency transactions in an effort to uncover alleged schemes like this one.”

HSI Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Ricky J. Patel said: “The trending market and demand for NFT investments has not only drawn the attention of real artists, but scam artists as well.  The arrested thieves allegedly hid behind online identities where they promised investors rewards, giveaways, and exclusive opportunities before implementing their ‘rug pull’ scheme – leaving investors with empty pockets and no legitimate investment. HSI New York’s Dark Web & Cryptocurrency Task Force worked closely with our IRS-CI partners to identify and shut down these fraudsters as they prepared to launch the sale of yet another NFT project that would have likely scammed countless others.”

USPIS Acting Inspector-in-Charge Daniel B. Brubaker said: “The rise and popularity of various cryptocurrencies have changed the landscape of buying and selling investments, leading to ample opportunities for new fraud schemes. Today’s arrests involved Non-Fungible Tokens (“NFTs"), opening the door to alternative investment options and substantial risk. These assets may seem like a good deal or a way to become wealthy, but in many cases, as in this situation, only lead to the loss of your money. Postal Inspectors will pursue fraudsters with our law enforcement partners in any consumer market and advise consumers to pursue emerging investment trends with diligence and skepticism."

As alleged in the Complaint[1]:

Since in or about January 2022, IRS-CI and HSI have been investigating a NFT fraud scheme based on reports from purchasers of Frosties utility NFTs[2] that they had been defrauded in what is colloquially referred to as a “rug pull.”  As the term suggests, a “rug pull” refers to a scenario where the creator of an NFT and/or gaming project solicits investments and then abruptly abandons a project and fraudulently retains the project investors’ funds.  According to the official Frosties website, Frosties purchasers would be eligible for holder rewards, such as, inter alia, giveaways, early access to a metaverse game, and exclusive mint passes to upcoming Frosties seasons.  In reality, on or about January 9, 2022, NGUYEN and LLACUNA, whose legal identities were disguised to Frosties NFT purchasers, abruptly abandoned the Frosties NFT project within hours after selling out of Frosties NFTs, deactivated the Frosties website, and transferred approximately $1.1 million in cryptocurrency proceeds from the scheme to various cryptocurrency wallets under their control in multiple transactions designed to obfuscate the original source of funds.  A screenshot taken from the Frosties website is shown below:

 

 

Prior to their arrests, NGUYEN and LLACUNA were advertising a second NFT project under the name “Embers,” which, based on similarities to the Frosties NFT project, is believed to be another fraud scheme that was expected to launch on or around March 26, 2022.  A screenshot taken from the Embers website is shown below:

 

 

ETHAN VINH NGUYEN, 20, and ANDRE MARCUS QUIDDAOEN LLACUNA, 20, are each charged with one count of commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h), which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences described above are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the assigned judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI, IRS-CI, and USPIS. 

The case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Danielle M. Kudla is in charge of the prosecution.

If you believe that you have been a victim of this crime, please contact HSI Special Agent Paul Nugent at paul.nugent@ice.dhs.gov.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation as to the defendants charged in the Complaint.

[2] A “utility” NFT offers holders added benefits, such as reward programs, giveaways, and early access to events for NFT holders.

MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS ABBY JO SIGAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MAYOR’S OFFICE OF TALENT AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

 

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of Abby Jo Sigal as executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development. In this role, Sigal will help deliver on the mayor’s workforce vision to prepare New Yorkers, particularly those from underserved communities, for the jobs of the future, in sectors including the life sciences, clean energy, and 21^st-century manufacturing, among others. Sigal will also work in partnership with members of the New York City Workforce Development Board to oversee federal investments under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act into strategic adult and youth workforce development initiatives.

 

“As my economic blueprint makes clear, investing in our city’s workforce is critical to an equitable recovery, and having a leader at the helm of the Office of Talent and Workforce Development with the knowhow to ‘Get Stuff Done’ will be essential in helping our city grow. Abby Jo Sigal is that leader,” said Mayor Adams. “For too long, far too many people in our city — primarily those living in Black and Brown neighborhoods — have been left behind. Equipping them with the skills they need to compete in our modern economy and burgeoning industries will be a top priority for my administration, and I’m so proud to have a proven leader like Abby spearheading that effort.”

 

“Abby Jo Sigal is a proven leader, and I am excited that she is joining our team at this critical moment for New York City,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “The Office of Talent and Workforce Development will play a leading role in realizing our vision for a workforce development system that is better integrated with our economic development efforts, and which will yield real results for New Yorkers.”

 

“I am humbled and honored that Mayor Adams and Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer tapped me to work in the administration on behalf of the people of New York City,” said Abby Jo Sigal, incoming executive director, Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development. “New York has the opportunity to build back its economy stronger and more equitably than before the pandemic — and through strategic investment and alignment of resources, together, we can transform how we, as a city, develop our talent and position all New Yorkers for lifelong career success.”

 

Sigal will lead the city’s effort to connect New Yorkers to quality jobs, as outlined in the recently released plan, “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery.” She will work with stakeholders from the public and private sectors to reimagine the city’s talent development system so that it promotes the economic security of every New Yorker, meets the talent needs of employers, and contributes to a robust and inclusive economy.  

 

At the head of the newly renamed Office of Talent and Workforce Development, Sigal will work across multiple agencies, launching, convening, and staffing the ‘Future of Workers’ taskforce, a working group of industry experts — including higher education, job training providers, research institutions, labor, and employers — to develop a citywide, early-education-to-adult talent development vision to address short-term recovery needs and long-term structural challenges.  The office will seek out opportunities to streamline and improve coordination among the more than two dozen city and state agencies that manage workforce programs, as well as The City University of New York (CUNY), the New York City Department of Education (DOE), nonprofits, intermediaries, and employers.

 

“An equitable recovery for our city starts with meaningful investments in our most valuable resource: New Yorkers,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright. “Abby Jo Sigal has been a tireless champion for uplifting New Yorkers across the five boroughs and building pipelines to good-paying jobs, and I especially look forward to working with her on youth workforce development initiatives to expand on our administration’s efforts to help young people thrive.”

 

“Every student who graduates a New York City public school should be ready to get a good paying job or go to college, and Abby will be a vital partner in realizing this goal,” said New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks. “Abby is a tireless advocate for creating quality career pathways for young people that blend academic and work-based learning and has a keen sense for how to create a citywide culture amongst community and business leaders that will foster the expansion of this work. I look forward to working closely with Abby to benefit all of our young people.”

 

“As a nonprofit leader, Abby Jo Sigal has served as a powerful voice for creative and collaborative policies and programs that expand economic opportunities for low-income New Yorkers,” said David Fischer, executive director, Mayor’s Office of Youth Employment (MOYE). “The team at MOYE is delighted that she will bring her knowledge, energy, and idealism to the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development, in service to its vital mission of economic mobility and empowerment.”

 

“Abby Jo Sigal is a tireless and proven leader, who will marshal the cross-sector resources and best thinking needed to deliver on the mayor’s ambitious vision for a talent pipeline worthy of our great city and its thriving industries,” said Saskia Levy Thompson, program director, Carnegie Corporation of New York; and chair, Mayor Adams’ Education Transition Committee. “Carnegie Corporation has invested in career pathways for a quarter of a century because we believe all young people should experience the rigorous education, real-world learning experiences, and professional networks necessary for long-term success and economic mobility. We were an early supporter of HERE to HERE — a Bronx-based youth-serving coalition that, under Abby’s leadership, demonstrated what is possible when K-12, higher education, and employers partner to expand opportunities for young people, and cultivate the brilliant, home-grown workforce that will build our future.”

 

“Having worked with Abby over the years that she served as executive director of the James and Judith K. Dimon Foundation and founding CEO of HERE to HERE, I know her solid commitment to ensuring opportunities for CUNY students to enter the city’s workforce and build rewarding careers, particularly during the ongoing post-pandemic recovery,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “Abby has been a key ally and advocate for our students; she understands the talent that CUNY students bring to the table, along with the benefits of a truly inclusive workforce that mirrors the diversity of New York City. We congratulate Abby on her appointment and look forward to working with her to foster the continued growth the city’s thriving economy and economic prosperity of CUNY students.”

 

“I have known Abby Jo Sigal for more than 20 years and we have worked side-by-side. I believe Abby Jo will do for the City of New York what she has always done — lead, shape opinion, build consensus, and transform lives,” said Kirk Goodrich, president, Monadnock Development; and chairman, New York State Association for Affordable Housing. “The mayor could not have made a better choice to lead the Office of Talent and Workforce Development for all New Yorkers.”

 

“Abby Jo Sigal is a unique leader who focuses on doing no less than transforming an entire system without ever losing sight of listening to and engaging young people directly, one person at a time — accounting for their strengths, aspirations, and potential,” said Angie Kamath, dean, New York University School of Professional Studies. “The city has exhibited incredible foresight by entrusting the workforce strategy and transformation of New York City in the hands of Abby Jo Sigal.”

 

“Abby Jo will bring deep knowledge and experience to the challenge of integrating the city’s public education and workforce development initiatives into a coordinated system with seamless connectivity to employers, large and small. This is an important appointment,” said Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO, Partnership for New York City.

 

About Abby Jo Sigal

 

Abby Jo Sigal will serve as executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development. For over 25 years, working in various roles and types of organizations, Sigal has been committed to revitalizing New York City neighborhoods to better serve local residents. As the founding CEO of HERE to HERE, Sigal currently leads a diverse Bronx-based team committed to aligning with key stakeholders around the goal of career success for New York City students — demonstrating best practices and translating those best practices into common practice.

 

She also serves as the executive director of The James and Judith K. Dimon Foundation. Sigal has extensive experience in community development, public/private partnerships, real estate finance, impact investing, and working with community-based organizations.

 

Prior to HERE to HERE and the Dimon Foundation, Sigal was the senior vice president of Innovation at Enterprise Community Partners, a national housing organization, where she provided leadership across the multiple business lines and markets for strategy, new product development, knowledge management, and impact investing.

 

Prior to that role, she ran the Enterprise New York market, deploying $200 million annually in equity, debt, and grants; developing and implementing programs; and enacting policy. Early in her career, she oversaw the design and development of New York City’s Hudson River Park along the westside and launched its first summer youth program.

 

Sigal holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale in Philosophy and master’s degrees from University of California, Berkeley in Business Administration and City & Regional Planning.

 

Sigal will report to Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer.