Please join us in congratulating 1997 School for Public Affairs and Administration graduate Jocelynne Rainey, Ed.D., on her new position as President and CEO of Brooklyn Community Foundation.

“I have spent much of my career working on behalf of New York City families, and specifically Brooklynites. Joining Brooklyn Community Foundation at this moment in the history of Brooklyn and New York City is truly the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Dr. Rainey, “I am humbled to be taking the helm of this iconic institution that serves my beloved Brooklyn through a racial justice lens. This is my life’s work. I am excited to collaborate with the Foundation’s staff, board of directors, donors, incredible grantees, and Brooklyn communities to advance racial justice and community-led change in the borough.”

Dr. Jocelynne Rainey will join the organization on December 6, 2021. She brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership to the Foundation, having served previously as President and CEO of Getting Out & Staying Out (GOSO) and Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC). She is also a long-time Brooklyn resident.

“Brooklyn Community Foundation is in good hands with the appointment of Dr. Jocelynne Rainey as its new CEO,” said Mayor-Elect and current Brooklyn Borough President, Eric Adams, “Dr. Rainey has a long track record of working towards the betterment of our borough and I can not think of a more appropriate role for her to continue her commitment to empowering all Brooklynites.”

Founded in 2009 with $60 million in assets from the private Independence Community Foundation, Brooklyn Community Foundation now has over $120 million in assets under management, including nearly 100 Donor Advised Funds. The Foundation has built a national reputation in philanthropy for its commitment to racial justice and community-led grantmaking. This year, the Foundation projects it will exceed $10 million in grants distributed through its unrestricted grantmaking programs and Donor Advised Funds.

Dr. Rainey received her master’s degree in Public Administration from Metropolitan College of New York and a Doctorate of Education and Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College in Rochester. She also earned a Certificate in Non-Profit Executive Leadership from the Business School at Columbia University. She is a former trustee of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and currently serves on the Leadership Advisory Council of the Bridge Street Economic Development Corporation. She also holds board positions at the Murray Koppelman School of Business at Brooklyn College, the New York City Workforce Investment Board, and several other influential organizations devoted to improving the quality of life in New York City, especially among our most historically underserved residents.

Earlier this year, Dr. Rainey was named one of “Crain’s 2021 Notable Black Leaders and Executives”. Read more about her career.