Melva M. Miller, the Association for a Better New York’s first Chief Executive Officer, is responsible for the overall success of the organization through economic development, long-term planning, stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, and the expansion and evolution of ABNY’s membership. Prior to this role, Ms. Miller led the organization’s Census initiative for an accurate count of New York where she supported and supplemented the 2020 census efforts by the U.S. Census Bureau, State and City of New York, and in coordination with community-based organizations in an effort to help New York State and City achieve the most accurate census count possible.

Ms. Miller has also served as the Deputy Borough President of Queens, working with the Borough Presidents on moving Queens forward. Ms. Miller’s achievements include the creation of the Jamaica NOW Action Plan, a $153 million stakeholder-driven strategy to increase quality employment, economic diversity, and financial security in downtown Jamaica. She was also the lead organizer of the Western Queens Tech Strategic Plan, an initiative that produced a five-year, $300,000 planning initiative that produced a blueprint for equitable growth of the Long Island City and Astoria tech ecosystem. Ms. Miller has held several senior economic development roles throughout her career, including Director of Economic Development for the Borough of Queens and Executive Director for the Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District. She serves on the Boards of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Habitat for Humanity New York City, and the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation.

Ms. Miller holds a Bachelor’s degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, a Master’s degree in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work, and received a second Master’s Degree in Philosophy from The Graduate Center at the City University of New York. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Social Welfare program at CUNY’s Graduate Center.

Chad Purkey is the Vice President 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). 

Sophie Wright is the Communications Coordinator at the Association for a Better New York (ABNY). She is responsible for executing and monitoring communications strategies for ABNY by creating marketing and public relations materials. Ms. Wright brings communications, marketing, and business development experience acquired from working at Global Strategy Group (GSG), a public affairs and research firm. She most recently served as a senior leader on the Guest Relations Team at Eleven Madison Park, a three Michelin-starred restaurant. Ms. Wright received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

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.

John Napisa is the Special Events Coordinator 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 is currently attending Hunter College pursuing a dual-degree in Chemistry and German Language and Literature.