Emma Pfohman became the Chief Executive Officer at the Association for a Better New York (ABNY) in May 2025.

Emma Pfohman has worked for the last three mayoral administrations advancing economic development projects, building public-private partnerships, supporting New York City’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and creating opportunity for New Yorkers. Pfohman currently serves as a Senior Advisor to New York City’s First Deputy Mayor, overseeing policies and investments in the creative and tourism sectors to help fuel the city’s economic recovery. In this role, Pfohman led the city’s successful bid to secure the 2026 FIFA World Cup; launched the city’s first-ever industry councils for digital gaming, film & television, and live performance; secured the largest-ever cultural budget; and oversaw the administration’s OneLIC plan to bring housing and infrastructure investments to Long Island City.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pfohman supported New York City’s first-wave emergency response to secure necessary supplies, medical staffing, and hospital capacity. She then established and managed the Department of Homeless Services’ first-ever shelter testing program to serve more than 150 shelters citywide. She also established and operated the NYC Mobile Bus Vaccine program, operating over ten mobile clinics daily that delivered over 500,000 vaccines to New Yorkers across the city.

Pfohman previously served as Chief of Staff in the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, a 100-person agency dedicated to strengthening and diversifying New York City’s creative economy. Prior to this, she served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development where she oversaw Commissioner’s Office operations and advanced initiatives in the ambitious “Housing New York 2.0” plan.

Prior, Pfohman worked on the government and community relations team at the New York City Economic Development Corporation and served as a Policy Advisor in the Commissioner’s Office of the Department of Small Business Services. She received her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Fordham University. She lives in Queens with her husband, and they are expecting their first child in January 2025.

Chad Purkey is the Interim Executive Director at the Association for a Better New York (ABNY). Mr. Purkey is responsible for working with the Chairman and CEO to develop and execute ABNY’s strategic direction, priorities, programming, and agenda; overseeing ABNY’s program staff and working with more than 250 member organizations on issue-specific advocacy campaigns and policy proposals.  

Prior to ABNY, Mr. Purkey served as the Executive Director of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership where, after holding several other roles with the organization since 2011, directed the local Business Improvement District from 2019-2023. Mr. Purkey graduated from Pratt Institute with a Master’s degree in City & Regional Planning and also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Historic Preservation from the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). 

Joshua Reyes is the Program Manager at the Association for a Better New York (ABNY). Mr. Reyes is responsible for managing all ABNY program areas including the ABNY Fellowship Programs, ABNY Young Professionals, ABNY Women, and ABNY Special Projects. Prior to ABNY, Mr. Reyes worked as Programs Officer at SEEDS Access Changes Everything and was responsible for managing the College Scholars Program along with supporting the recruitment and placement process. Mr. Reyes graduated from Seton Hall University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations.

Zina Robbins-Maldonado is the Membership and Events Manager at the Associations for a Better New York (ABNY). Zina is responsible for managing and supporting ABNY membership. This includes coordinating and executing all ABNY member events such as Power Events, ABNY Talks, ABNYchats and Steering Committee meetings. Zina graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and holds a degree in Communication Arts and Political Science.

John Napisa is the Special Events and Communications Manager at the Association for a Better New York. His responsibilities include volunteer coordination for all ABNY events, as well as background activities ensuring the smooth operation of events. Mr. Napisa attended Hunter College and holds a degree in German Language and Literature.