City Year New York Announces New Leader

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City Year New York Announces Quamid Francis as New Executive Director 

New York City (January 24, 2022) – City Year New York (CYNY), an education nonprofit that recruits young adults for a year of service in public schools, is pleased to announce that Quamid Francis has been selected as the organization’s new executive director.  

“We are extremely lucky to welcome Quamid as the Executive Director of City Year New York,” said Ryan Cotton, Managing Director, Bain Private Equity and Board Co-Chair of City Year New York. “Quamid’s life has been marked by service to our country and to our city, and we know that this new chapter of service – working to equalize and advance the opportunities of every student through service – is one at which he will excel. Combining inspiration, tenacity, authenticity, and passion, Quamid brings a mix of skills that has already inspired so many of us through this process. We look forward to Quamid’s leadership at CYNY.”   

Quamid joins City Year New York with extensive public service experience and a deep understanding of how New York City’s civic and business landscape shapes communities. Quamid is passionate about leading work to support communities where solutions to seemingly intractable problems caused by systemic injustices appear elusive. Most recently, Quamid served as Deputy Commissioner, Chief of Staff, and Chief Diversity Officer at the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) where he oversaw agencywide programs, operations, strategic partnerships, and legislative affairs. He holds an MPA in International Policy and Management from New York University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs and Management from Baruch College. He also earned a “Leading with Finance” certificate from Harvard Business School. Quamid is a lifelong public servant who is deeply committed to national service and the intersection of education and workforce development. 

“I have spent my entire life and career in public service, through military service, and by supporting communities through various enrichment programs for youth and young adults. The national service work that City Year New York does at the intersection of education and workforce training is desirable and highly respected across NYC,” said Quamid Francis, incoming Senior Vice President and Executive Director for City Year New York. “With an open heart and mind, I’m inspired to lead City Year New York during a transformative time in our city to help elevate the essential role national service work plays to ensure equitable outcomes for communities and a healthy democracy. I’m grateful to City Year New York for their faith in me to lead this organization at such a critical time, and I’m thrilled to work with our staff, AmeriCorps members, partners, and donors to continue building on the positive impacts made throughout NYC.”   

“Building toward a diverse, inclusive, and equitable culture where everyone experiences a deep sense of belonging is essential to the growth of the City of New York, but also to organizations such as City Year” said Gregg Bishop, Executive Director of the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation’s Social Justice Fund. “Quamid has demonstrated his commitment to equity through his experience, leadership, and a proven track record of service to our city—and as a recipient of the Presidential Award for Community Service and his deep experience helping to employ, house, and connect veterans and their families to city, state, and federal benefits, City Year New York chose a leader who will roll up his sleeves and position the organization for greater success.”   

This year, City Year New York AmeriCorps members serve full-time in 17 New York City public schools, reaching more than 7,000 students each day. During their year of service, AmeriCorps members serve as tutors, mentors, and role models, preparing students with the skills and mindsets to succeed in school and in life. Nationally, schools with City Year are two to three times more likely to improve on math and English assessments. Last year, 100% percent of partner principals and administrators indicated that they were satisfied with the experience of partnering City Year New York.  

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About City Year 

City Year helps students and schools succeed, while preparing the next generation of civically engaged leaders who can work across lines of difference. Diverse teams of City Year AmeriCorps members provide support to students, classrooms, and the whole school. Schools that partner with City Year are up to two to three times more likely to improve in English and math assessments, and the more time students spend with AmeriCorps members, the more they improve on social, emotional and academic skills— skills that help students thrive in school and contribute to their community.  

A proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network, City Year is supported by AmeriCorps, local school districts and private philanthropy. City Year partners with public schools in 29 communities across the U.S. and through international affiliates in the U.K. and South Africa. Learn more at www.cityyear.org, City Year’s Facebook page, on Twitter, and LinkedIn.