January 8, 2025 (New York, NY)— The Association for a Better New York (ABNY) today announced the selection of Emma Pfohman as its new Chief Executive Officer. Pfohman brings deep policy expertise in economic development, tourism, housing and emergency management spanning three City administrations. Her work building public-private partnerships, advancing complex development projects, and leading COVID-19 response operations position her well to lead ABNY into its next chapter. Most recently, Pfohman served as Senior Advisor to First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer.
ABNY is a broad coalition of more than 250 corporate, nonprofit, labor, educational, health, cultural, and government leaders focused on exploring and implementing ideas that keep New York City moving forward. As CEO, Pfohman will work alongside Chairman Steven Rubenstein to utilize the resources and expertise of ABNY’s network to convene leaders, produce original research, and collaborate with members to advocate for important public policies that improve the lives of all New Yorkers.
“When three City administrations consistently trust and elevate a person, it’s a clear indication they have the goods. Emma Pfohman is a policy powerhouse and has shown a remarkable ability to bring together government, non-profits and the private sector to do big things. From supporting New York City’s economic recovery, building affordable housing, growing tourism, to helping vaccinate New Yorkers during the pandemic, she’s been part of some of the biggest civic undertakings of our time. I am so excited for her collaboration and leadership as we write the next great chapter of ABNY,” said Steven Rubenstein, Chair of the Association for a Better New York. “I’d like to thank Chad Purkey for his leadership as interim CEO over the past year, and in the coming months. Our entire ABNY network is grateful for his stewardship.”
“Over the course of my career in public service, I have known ABNY to be a constant force for good in New York City. I am thrilled and humbled to help take the helm of this organization and to continue to find ways to do big things – together – for New Yorkers. I’m deeply grateful for Steven and the ABNY board for entrusting me with this role, and I look forward to building on ABNY’s legacy and delivering for our city at this critical time,” said incoming Association for a Better New York CEO, Emma Pfohman.
The search for ABNY’s CEO was spearheaded by a committee of ABNY members with the guidance and outreach of PBR Executive Search, a top-tier New York search firm. Pfohman will officially begin her new role in May 2025.
About Emma Pfohman
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.