We are delighted to welcome five new board members to the Habitat NYC and Westchester Board of Directors—Ben Rodney, Erica F. Buckley, Jacquelyn Lipson, CFA, Ruth Burgos, and Jason M. Hill, whose professional expertise and personal commitment to housing access will help us deepen our impact. Their leadership spans construction, law, finance, banking, and community development—fields critical to advancing affordable housing and strengthening the communities we partner with.
Erica F. Buckley
Erica F. Buckley is a Partner at Nixon Peabody, where she leads the Cooperatives & Condominiums and State Attorneys General practices. She represents developers in transactions involving cooperatives, condominiums, community land trusts, and other housing models that support long-term affordability. As former chief of the Real Estate Finance Bureau at the New York Attorney General’s Office, Erica oversaw regulatory matters, investigations, and policy initiatives that shaped housing law and consumer protections across New York State. A registered New York State lobbyist, she played a key role in the passage of the Affordable Housing Retention Act, advancing protections for residents and preserving housing stability. Her deep relationships with city and state housing agencies and her policy expertise position her to be a powerful advocate for Habitat NYC and Westchester, helping drive equitable housing solutions and expand affordable homeownership.
Ruth Burgos
Ruth Burgos is Vice President of Community Relations and Business Development Manager at City National Bank, where she oversees initiatives in community investment, CRA compliance, and volunteer engagement. With over 20 years of banking experience, Ruth has cultivated meaningful partnerships with organizations dedicated to increasing access to affordable housing throughout New York City. Her leadership includes board roles with ABODE Alliance and Community League of the Heights, where she contributes to efforts that support neighborhood stability and long-term housing solutions. Ruth brings a proven ability to build strategic partnerships and drive collaborative efforts, helping expand Habitat’s reach and impact across the region.
Jacquelyn Lipson, CFA
Jacquelyn Lipson, CFA is a seasoned financial services executive with over 17 years of experience driving digital innovation across global institutions. As Executive Director of Product Management at J.P. Morgan Chase, she leads transformation initiatives that align technology with mission-driven outcomes. A longtime New Yorker with a deep commitment to service, Jacquelyn brings her strategic mindset and leadership to Habitat NYC and Westchester, where she is passionate about expanding access to stable, affordable housing. Her values of family, service, and learning guide her work—both professionally and in her efforts to support Habitat’s mission of building equity through homeownership.
Jason M. Hill
Jason M. Hill is Vice President and Market Leader for TD Bank’s New York Institutional Healthcare Team, bringing over 23 years of experience in healthcare banking. He manages a diverse portfolio of nonprofit health systems, senior living facilities, physician groups, and other providers across New York and Southern Connecticut. Throughout his career, Jason has been a trusted advisor to healthcare institutions, offering financial solutions that support long-term sustainability and growth. His understanding of complex systems and commitment to community well-being position him to make a meaningful contribution to Habitat NYC and Westchester, helping strengthen organizational partnerships and support housing initiatives.
Benjamin Rodney
Benjamin Rodney is Vice President of Construction at Hines in New York City, where he leads ground-up development and decarbonization initiatives across the East Region. A longtime supporter of Habitat NYC and Westchester, Ben first volunteered in post-Hurricane Sandy rebuilding efforts in 2013. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening Habitat’s ties to the engineering community—serving as ASHRAE NYC’s Community Relations Chair, coordinating peer reviews for our development Sydney House, and supporting preservation efforts in multifamily housing. As a longtime member of the Habitat House Party host committee, Ben has been instrumental in driving fundraising and awareness for Habitat’s mission. He continues to leverage his expertise and network to support homeowners, seniors, and communities of New York City and Westchester.
We are excited to collaborate with these new board members as they bring fresh perspectives and proven leadership to help us build a more equitable New York. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our outgoing board members— Peter Murray, Brian Smalley, Christine McGuinness, Brian Lichter, Claudia Schrader, Lizette Cantres, and Farid Cardozo—for their many years of partnership and commitment to housing justice.