Join the MCNY Community in congratulating Ali Gheith, Program Director of the MPA in Emergency and Disaster Management program – School for Public Affairs and Administration!
Professor Gheith was surprised and honored to receive this recognition on Independence Day, July 4th from Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “I thank him for all that he has done to touch and improve the lives of many, helping to move our communities forward as One Brooklyn,” said Eric L. Adams, Brooklyn Borough President in his citation.
Among the many accomplishments cited is his dedication to education; the excellence and professionalism of the curriculum of the MCNY Emergency and Disaster Management programs and his training of over 3,000 New Yorkers in mental health first aid. “The fields of Mental Health and Emergency Management are challenging and rewarding. It is an honor to be recognized for something that I love being a part of and is, for me, much more than a job or career,” said Ali Gheith, “These fields require teamwork and true leaders. I would be remiss if I didn’t pass this recognition along and say thank you to the teams of professionals who have helped meet the challenges and accomplish the goals.”
Ali Gheith is also the recipient of the NYC Distinguished Service Award for his work with community and faith leaders across New York City. Gheith joined Project Liberty immediately following the disastrous events of 9/11, where he reached out to union workers at ground zero, addressed the special needs of vulnerable populations and trained counselors on methods of providing culturally appropriate disaster mental health services to the community. Professor Gheith has responded to every major crisis since 9/11. In early 2003, Gheith joined the New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene as a coordinator of Population-Based Resilience. He is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) as recognized by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) and serves as chair of the IAEM Disaster Behavioral Health committee. He is also an adjunct professor for the University of Malaga, Spain, and on the Advisory Boards of the Institute for Disaster Mental Health at SUNY New Paltz, New York Disaster Interfaith Services and The New York City High School Urban Assembly School for Emergency Management.
