Care For the Homeless Announces New Leadership Transition in 2026

Care For the Homeless Announces New Leadership Transition

On July 29, 2026, Care For the Homeless (CFH) revealed significant changes in its leadership. George Nashak, who has been the dedicated President and CEO for nearly a decade, will retire at the end of the year. Nashak's successor, Jonathan Santos-Ramos, currently the Executive Director, will step into the CEO role starting in 2027.

A Strategic Leadership Transition

The decision for this transition has been thoughtfully planned over several years. Santos-Ramos has worked closely with Nashak, ensuring that the organization remains on a path of growth while continuing to serve the vulnerable population of New York City. According to Surjit Chana, the Chair of the Board, Santos-Ramos is well-equipped to lead CFH due to his unique combination of compassion, strategic thinking, and in-depth experience in serving the homeless and advocating for community health care.

Santos-Ramos: Ready for the Challenge

Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him, Santos-Ramos stated, "I am deeply humbled by the confidence of the Board and George, who has been a remarkable mentor to me." He emphasized the significance of CFH's mission and expressed his commitment to extending the organization's impact in the city. His background includes a notable tenure at the Community Healthcare Network and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, equipping him with extensive healthcare management experience.

Celebrating Nashak's Legacy

Nashak's tenure has been marked by a strong commitment to using healthcare and housing as basic human rights and devising strategies to tackle homelessness effectively. Under his guidance, CFH transitioned from serving 7,500 unique patients annually to over 12,000. He also expanded the organization's capacity from 200 to an impressive 870 beds in various residential programs. Reflecting on his time at CFH, Nashak said, "It has been the honor of my career to lead Care For the Homeless. I have been fortunate to work alongside individuals with firsthand experience of homelessness, who have inspired me daily."

Achievements and Future Direction

The impact of Nashak's leadership extends beyond operational growth. CFH has also become a national figure in advocacy, doubling its annual revenue from $18 million to over $68 million during his time. Nashak's dual experience in public policy and direct service has made him a critical voice in the community. Looking ahead, the Board and Nashak are confident in Santos-Ramos's capacity to further CFH's mission, with the intention of building upon the established foundation of care and advocacy.

Conclusion

As Care For the Homeless gears up for this leadership transition, both Nashak's contributions and Santos-Ramos's future vision stand at the forefront of the organization's mission to combat homelessness in New York City. CFH continues to be a beacon of hope for those in need, providing essential healthcare along with shelter and social services. As they embrace a new chapter, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to serve and advocate for vulnerable New Yorkers in need.