Growth Signals: A Planned Handover Signals Next Era for Care For the Homeless

NEW YORK, NY – July 29, 2026 – In a move that signals both a celebration of past growth and a strategic pivot toward the future, Care For the Homeless (CFH) has announced a significant leadership transition. After a transformative nine-year tenure, President & CEO George Nashak will retire at the end of 2026. Stepping into the role is Executive Director Jonathan Santos-Ramos, a leader whose background suggests a deepening focus on innovative and equitable healthcare models. The transition, a deliberately planned, multi-year process, offers a masterclass in non-profit governance and a powerful signal of the organization's resilience and forward momentum.

The Nashak Era: A Legacy of Unprecedented Growth

To understand the significance of this transition, one must first grasp the sheer scale of expansion under George Nashak's leadership. Since taking the helm in 2017, Nashak has presided over a period of explosive growth that has fundamentally reshaped CFH's capacity and impact. The numbers alone tell a compelling story. The organization's annual revenue has soared from $18 million to over $68 million. Its staff has quadrupled, growing from 117 to more than 450 employees.

This financial and operational growth directly translated into expanded services for New York City's most vulnerable residents. When Nashak arrived, CFH served 7,500 unique patients annually; today, that number exceeds 12,000, with the organization providing nearly 44,000 healthcare visits each year. The residential program portfolio has seen a similar trajectory, expanding from a single site with 200 beds to six programs offering 870 shelter and safe haven beds. This expansion included the organization's first-ever property acquisitions, culminating in landmark projects like the purpose-built Blondell Avenue shelter and health center in the Bronx.

"We owe George a profound debt of gratitude for driving our integrated model of care that has led to ending episodes of homelessness for New York City's most vulnerable populations," said CFH Board Chair Surjit Chana. "His impact on this organization, and on the lives of thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness in New York City, cannot be overstated."

Beyond the metrics, Nashak’s legacy is defined by his commitment to positioning CFH as a national leader in policy and advocacy. By hosting biannual thought leadership events and championing the voices of those with lived experience, he ensured the organization not only provided services but also actively worked to dismantle the systemic causes of homelessness. His unique ability to bridge the gap between high-level public policy and ground-level human services, honed during his time as Deputy Commissioner at the NYC Department of Homeless Services, has been a defining feature of his tenure. This sentiment is echoed across the sector. Kristin Miller, Executive Director of Homeless Services United, thanked Nashak for his "decades of service" and "stellar leadership."

A Deliberate Handover: The Signal of Stability

Leadership transitions, particularly in the non-profit sector, can often be sources of instability. However, the handover at CFH is a clear signal of strategic foresight. The appointment of Jonathan Santos-Ramos is the culmination of a multi-year succession plan, during which he has worked side-by-side with Nashak for the past three years. This deliberate mentorship was designed to ensure institutional continuity and prepare the organization for its next chapter without losing momentum.

This approach speaks volumes about the organization's maturity and governance. Instead of a reactive search, the board cultivated leadership from within, ensuring the incoming CEO possesses an intimate understanding of CFH's operations, culture, and strategic priorities.

Nashak himself has been a vocal champion of his successor. "It has been the honor of my career to lead Care For the Homeless," he stated. "I have enormous confidence in Jonathan's vision and leadership skills. My only request is that he does better than I've done!" This public endorsement underscores the collaborative nature of the transition and sets a positive tone for the future.

The Next Chapter: A New Leader for Evolving Challenges

While Nashak’s tenure was defined by scaling up, Jonathan Santos-Ramos’s leadership is poised to be defined by a deepening of care. His background is a strong indicator of the organization's future direction. With over two decades in healthcare administration, including key roles at the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, a global leader in LGBTQ+ health, Santos-Ramos brings specialized expertise in developing "anti-oppressive healthcare models."

This focus is not merely academic; it is a direct response to the complex, intersecting challenges faced by homeless New Yorkers. It signals a move toward more tailored, equitable, and person-centered care that acknowledges and addresses the systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities.

"Our Board believes that Jonathan is the right leader to guide CFH into the future because he brings a unique blend of compassion, strategic acumen, and extensive experience," said Chana, highlighting Santos-Ramos's proven ability to grow programs and create meaningful impact.

Santos-Ramos, who joined CFH in 2023 as Chief Program Officer before being promoted to Executive Director, expressed his commitment to building on the organization's strong foundation. "I am deeply humbled by the confidence placed in me," he said. "Care For the Homeless has a vital charge in our city, and I look forward to working closely with the Board, our amazing staff, the service community, and most importantly, our New Yorkers in need, to expand our reach and deepen our impact."

Navigating the Enduring Crisis

The transition comes at a critical time for New York City. Homelessness is at its highest level in a decade, exacerbated by an ongoing housing affordability crisis and the recent influx of migrants. In this environment, the work of organizations like CFH is more vital than ever. The leadership change is not happening in a vacuum but is a strategic response to this evolving landscape.

CFH is already positioning itself for the future. The board recently concluded a new five-year strategic plan focused on person-centered care, social justice, and fiscal discipline. The organization has secured capital grants from the New York State Department of Health to build up to four new health centers and additional funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for care coordination and rapid re-housing services. These initiatives provide a powerful toolkit for the incoming CEO.

Under Santos-Ramos, CFH is expected to double down on its integrated model, leveraging his expertise to make its services even more responsive to the nuanced needs of its clients. The challenge will be to maintain the incredible scale achieved under Nashak while simultaneously refining and deepening the approach to care. This transition is a powerful growth signal, indicating that Care For the Homeless is not just resting on its legacy but actively evolving to meet the immense challenges of today and tomorrow.