The Fund for Public Housing Names New Executive Director 

Alex Zablocki, a veteran public servant with experience working with nonprofit organizations and government agencies at all levels, was recently appointed Executive Director of the Fund for Public Housing.   

Mr. Zablocki will be supported by Deputy Director Claire McLeveighn in leading the nonprofit Fund for Public Housing in its mission of enhancing opportunities and quality of life for NYCHA residents, while uplifting the role of public housing in New York City.  

“It is an honor to serve as the Fund’s Executive Director, working in collaboration with NYCHA colleagues, our board, and donors to raise the funds necessary to support and invest in transformative programs for public housing residents,” he said.   

“Through this public-private partnership, the Fund for Public Housing leverages resources in support of programs focused on leadership development, workforce skills training, and living healthy lifestyles, and we have the opportunity to equitably and sustainably deliver these important services to thousands of youth and their families. The work of the Fund will also help elevate NYCHA programs to empower even more residents, improving resident economic mobility and overall health, and provide an opportunity to communicate and champion their successes across the city.”  

Bringing extensive experience across the government and nonprofit sectors, Mr. Zablocki comes to the Fund after serving for five years as Executive Director of the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy. The public-private partnership supports 10,000 acres of City, State, and federal parkland in Brooklyn and Queens.   

As head of the Conservancy, Mr. Zablocki worked with its board and staff in the development of park planning, capital projects, stewardship events, partnership projects, and donor engagement. During his tenure, Mr. Zablocki expanded the Conservancy’s annual budget by $4.8 million in just four years and increased full-time staff positions by 500 percent. In addition, he worked with private donors and governmental partners to leverage investment in parks and programs, bringing in tens of millions of dollars in additional funding for local parks, and also oversaw the development of the Conservancy’s education portfolio.  

Prior to the Conservancy, Mr. Zablocki served as Senior Program Manager at the New York State Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, where he oversaw a dozen storm recovery projects and programs being implemented by the State in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene, and Tropical Storm Lee — including the more than $100 million Rebuild By Design Living Breakwaters Project off the coast of Staten Island. He also previously served as Director of Community Relations for the New York City Department of Homeless Services and has held various roles with the New York State Senate and New York City Council.   

Mr. Zablocki received a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance and investments from Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business and earned a Master of Arts degree in community and economic development from SUNY Empire State College.