Schneps Connects

Stuart Salembier, Senior Vice President of Member Engagement & Channel Delivery at Municipal Credit Union (MCU), discusses the credit union’s expanding presence across New York City. With new branches recently opened in Arverne and Chelsea, Stuart shares what’s driving MCU’s growth and how the credit union is bringing full-service and accesible banking to more New Yorkers.

Salembier discusses why these two communities were important for MCU to open branches, what members can expect beyond traditional banking services, and how the organization continues to serve its deep-rooted membership of municipal employees, teachers, first responders, health care workers and other New Yorkers.

Looking ahead, Stuart shares what’s next for MCU and what you should know about before becoming a member. Learn more about MCU and their offers here.

Emma Pfohman, CEO of the Association for a Better New York (ABNY), shares insights from her career with a focus on economic development, public-private partnerships, tourism and the creative economy. She discusses ABNY’s role in bringing together leaders from the business, civic and government sectors to address some of New York City’s biggest challenges and opportunities.

Pfohman explores what she believes New York needs to remain competitive as a place to live, work, build businesses and invest, as well as the importance of tourism, the creative economy and major events. She also reflects on her experience helping lead the city’s pandemic response and discusses quality-of-life issues, public-private collaboration and her vision for the next chapter of ABNY.

Eric Rosenbaum, President and CEO of Project Renewal, shares insights from his career in New York City’s human services sector and his leadership of one of the city’s largest organizations serving New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. He discusses Project Renewal’s comprehensive approach to shelter, supportive housing, healthcare and workforce development, and more.

Rosenbaum discusses the changing landscape of homelessness in New York City, including the growing need for mental health care, substance use treatment and economic opportunity. He also spotlights Project Renewal’s mobile psychiatric outreach teams, healthcare services within shelters, the challenges of moving people into permanent housing, and the policy changes and opportunities that could help break the cycle of homelessness.

Photo courtesy of Anat Gerstein 

Shaun Ruskin, President and CEO of VillageCare and VillageCareMAX Health Plans, shares insights from his 17-year journey with the organization and his vision for its next chapter. He discusses stepping into the CEO role during the organization’s first leadership transition in 17 years, the importance of maintaining stability and culture, and the lessons that have shaped his approach to leadership.

Ruskin also highlights the organization’s mission and the populations it serves, as well as the changing landscape of Managed Long-Term Care in New York. He discusses the move toward more integrated Medicare-Medicaid models, strategies for helping vulnerable New Yorkers age in place, and how VillageCare is focused on delivering quality care while keeping members connected to their homes and communities.

Photo courtesy of VillageCare and VillageCareMAX.

Jeffrey Finkle, Chair Emeritus of WellLife Network, reflects on his nearly two decades of service to one of New York’s leading nonprofit human services organizations. He shares what inspired him to join the Board of Directors, his 12-year tenure as Chairman, and how strategic leadership, strong governance, and thoughtful succession planning helped position WellLife for significant growth and long-term success.

Finkle spotlights WellLife Network’s mission to provide behavioral health, developmental disability, family support, vocational training, care management, and other essential services to more than 25,000 individuals and families each year. He also shares insights into recruiting transformational leadership, including CEO Sherry Tucker, navigating organizational change, and balancing mission-driven work with sound business practices.

L. Joy Williams, President of the NAACP New York State Conference, Chair of Higher Heights PAC, and host of the #SundayCivics podcast, discusses her journey into politics, advocacy, and civil rights leadership. She shares the experiences that inspired her commitment to civic engagement and the path that led her to lead New York State’s largest civil rights organization.

Williams discusses the NAACP’s key legislative priorities, including voting rights, redistricting, education, economic opportunity, and advancing equity across communities throughout New York. She also highlights the organization’s Black NY Forward initiative, the importance of civic participation, and why decisions made at every level of government have a direct impact on the daily lives of New Yorkers.

Additionally, Williams spotlights the importance of investing in youth leadership, civic education, and the next generation of advocates through the Freedom School Program. She reflects on the challenges and opportunities facing democracy today, the role of community and grassroots organizing in driving change, and what gives her hope for the future of civic engagement and civil rights.

Photo credit: Sarah Blesener

Sean T. Granahan, President and General Counsel of The Floating Hospital, discusses his career journey and the path that led him to one of New York City’s largest providers of charity healthcare. He shares how the organization, founded in 1866, evolved from a floating medical facility serving underserved families on New York’s waterways into a comprehensive healthcare provider delivering medical, dental, behavioral health, and support services to families living in homeless shelters and domestic violence safe houses.

Granahan discusses the innovative ways the organization addresses healthcare disparities across New York City. He also highlights the unique design and patient-centered experience of the Long Island City clinic, the impact of growing demand for services, and the challenges posed by changing federal funding mandates.

As The Floating Hospital prepares to celebrate its 160th Anniversary Gala, Granahan shares how supporters can play a role in expanding access to critical healthcare and support services for families in need.

Marlon Taylor, President of New York & Atlantic Railway (NYA), discusses his career journey in the rail industry and the path that led him to lead the primary freight rail carrier serving Long Island and NYC. He shares how NYA connects local businesses to the broader North American freight network while transporting essential goods that help power the regional economy.

Taylor explores the critical role freight rail plays in supporting industries across the region, reducing roadway congestion, and advancing sustainability by removing more than 120,000 truck trips from local roads annually. He also discusses NYA’s partnership with the Long Island Rail Road, the complexities of managing a modern freight network, and his vision for the future of freight rail, infrastructure investment, and economic growth in New York.

Kieran Harrington, CEO of RiseBoro Community Partnership, discusses his journey through nonprofit leadership, media, and mission-driven organizations, and how those experiences prepared him to lead one of New York City’s largest community development organizations. He shares the evolution of RiseBoro from a senior services provider into a leading force in affordable housing, supportive housing, health services, education, and community empowerment across the five boroughs.

Harrington discusses the challenges and opportunities facing New York City’s housing landscape, including affordability, supportive housing, and the growing needs of vulnerable populations. He also reflects on leadership lessons learned throughout his career, RiseBoro’s impact on strengthening communities, and his vision for the organization’s future.

Michael Savino, Chief Lending Officer at Municipal Credit Union (MCU), discusses the realities of today’s New York City housing market. As buyers face rising home prices, limited inventory, affordability concerns, and ongoing down payment challenges, Michael shares his perspective on current market conditions and what prospective homeowners should know before making a move.

Savino explains the advantages of working with a local mortgage lender, what truly sets great lenders apart beyond interest rates, and how personalized guidance can make a difference throughout the buying process. For current homeowners, Michael discusses whether now is an advantageous time to tap into home equity, what borrowers should consider before taking out a home equity loan, and what lower home equity rates mean today.

Savino highlights how MCU supports members through competitive rates, local expertise, specialized lending programs, first-time homebuyer assistance, and low down payment options designed to help New Yorkers. Learn more about MCU and their offers here.