Richard Swanson, Vice Chair
Managing Director and General Counsel at York Capital Management
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO JOIN THE BRC BOARD?
I was invited onto the BRC board by another director. The scourge of homelessness in New York City requires each of us to do what we can to help. BRC runs an outstanding array of services to the homeless, in a highly efficient and ethical way. I hope by serving on BRC’s board to be able to give something back to the City of New York, which has treated me so well over my legal career.
WHAT KEEPS YOU THE MOST MOTIVATED AND ENGAGED WITH BRC?
BRC’s wonderful executive director, Muzzy Rosenblatt, and his senior program staff, and all the staff that they supervise, impress me every day of my board service with their diligence and hopefulness. My fellow board members also inspire me with their commitment to helping BRC by being the best organization they can be in aiding the homeless in New York City. Knowing that all of them are helping to give something back to the neediest among us is central to my own motivation and engagement.
IF BRC WERE TO DISAPPEAR TOMORROW, WHAT WOULD BE THE BIGGEST LOSS?
If BRC were to disappear tomorrow, the approximately 10,000 clients we serve each year would put additional pressure on the already overburdened city shelter system and on other homeless services providers. BRC meets key needs in the New York City community.
IF YOU WERE TO GIVE SOMEONE ONE REASON FOR WHY THEY SHOULD SUPPORT BRC, WHAT WOULD THAT REASON BE?
New York City is one of the most amazing places in the world. For many people, it is the epitome of finance, media, culture and the arts. For people involved in such endeavors, the opportunities that New York City has to offer are incomparable. The City does not always work so well for all of its citizens, however, and the homeless population epitomizes that. We all have a responsibility to our fellow citizens who are less fortunate than ourselves, and anyone who supports BRC is supporting this broader effort. Also, by supporting BRC, you know your contributions are going to be well spent, as BRC was awarded a New York Community Trust Non-Profit Excellence Award for the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of management of BRC’s services.
