MET COUNCIL APPOINTS DAVID M. FRANKEL AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CEO

Mr. Frankel’s Experience and Integrity Will Bring Strong Leadership at a Time when Essential Human Services Have Never Been More Vital 

Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty (“Met Council”) announced today that it has appointed David M. Frankel as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. Frankel, who since 2009 has served under Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg as the Commissioner of the Department of Finance, will officially join Met Council on September 30.

 

“We are proud and delighted to welcome David to Met Council,” said Steven Price, President of Met Council’s Board.  “David brings extensive operational, financial and legal expertise from the public and private sectors and an outstanding record of success in leading complex organizations.  His integrity, passion for public service and understanding of the importance of our work will be extremely valuable resources for Met Council and our employees, volunteers, donors and partners as we work together to address the problem of poverty in New York.” 

 

“Met Council’s work has improved the lives of many thousands of New York’s neediest people for more than 40 years, and I am honored and excited by the opportunity to lead such a respected and vital institution,” Mr. Frankel said.  “I look forward to working with the Board and Met Council’s dedicated management and staff and am committed to making sure that we sustain and build Met Council for the benefit of the increasing number of people who depend upon us.” 

 

As Commissioner of the Department of Finance, which collects more than $30 billion in revenue for New York City, Mr. Frankel has focused the agency on exemplary service, accountability for measurable results and the highest standard of conduct.  Prior to serving in this role, Mr. Frankel was a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley from 2004 to 2009, and he was the head of global operations for the AIG Trading Group from 1992 to 2004.  He also served as Deputy Commissioner of New York City Housing and Preservation (1990-1991) and as Special Counsel to the Commissioner for the Department of Correction (1988-1990).  From 1978 to 1988, he practiced law at two New York firms.  Mr. Frankel holds a J.D. from Columbia Law School and a B.A. in history from Tufts University. 

 

“Met Council has made an outstanding choice in making David Frankel its Executive Director and CEO,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.  “Always willing to make the tough decisions and never afraid to try innovative new solutions to stubborn old challenges, David is a leader any organization would be lucky to have.”

 

Mayor Bloomberg added, “Being Finance Commissioner is a tough job – one that isn't going to win you any popularity contests.  But David commanded the respect of anyone who worked with him because of his commitment to fairness.  Over the past four years, he has been dedicated to leveling the playing field for all New Yorkers by going after individuals and businesses that don’t play by the rules and protecting the ones that do.  At the same time, he has embodied this Administration’s mission to make government work better for New Yorkers by streamlining contracts, making data-based decisions and using technology to improve customer service.  His departure is a real loss for city government, but his talents and leadership will be put to outstanding use at Met Council, an organization that every year makes such a difference in our city.”

 

"Met Council's Board acted quickly to address the agency’s immediate and critical needs, securing the services of David M. Frankel, a respected and experienced leader,” said UJA-Federation of New York Executive Vice President & CEO John S. Ruskay.  “UJA-Federation of New York looks forward to continuing to work with Met Council to provide the safety-net services which are so essential for the poorest in our city."

Met Council is one of New York’s largest human services agencies, providing critical services to 100,000 New Yorkers each year who are struggling to overcome poverty.  As a Jewish organization that serves everyone regardless of race, ethnicity or religion, Met Council has been a defender and advocate for New Yorkers in need since 1972 and has raised awareness around the growing problem of Jewish poverty. 

 

“We’ve seen a dramatic rise in the number of Jewish people who live in poverty or near poverty, and they need our services now more than ever,” said Mr. Price.  “Whether we’re providing food for the hungry, health services and home care to the elderly and others in need, or career counseling that empowers people to defeat poverty, Met Council makes a real difference in the lives of individuals and families all over New York.   Under David’s experienced leadership, and with the support of so many others, the Board is confident that Met Council will continue to be there for the New Yorkers who count on us each and every day.”