Breaking Ground, formerly Common Ground, is a nonprofit social services organization in New York City whose goal is to create high-quality permanent and transitional housing for the homeless.

Non Profit

Breaking Ground

Lisa Isaacson is the Special Assistant to the President & CEO at [Breaking Ground](/org/breaking-ground). Lisa has also served as the Special Assistant to the President at the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership from July 2015 to March 2016. In this role, they managed the President's calendar and communications, planned and organized meetings of the President and Directors, researched and prepared background information on key organizations and individuals, arranged sensitive and confidential appointments, and coordinated the President's and Directors' attendance at events, seminars, and appearances. Lisa also handled travel arrangements, prepared correspondence and materials for Directors, edited and proofread written materials for content consistency, assisted in research, content development, and creation of presentations, and supported the President/Directors in project management, budgets, timeline/follow-up on action items. Additionally, they developed programmatic materials, agendas, resolutions, etc. for four Board of Directors meetings each quarter (sixteen Board meetings annually), managed scheduling and logistics for Board of Directors meetings and committee meetings as necessary, maintained the President's contacts and created mailing lists and other data files/list views using Salesforce and Excel, ensured strategic collaboration with internal and external personnel to accomplish organizational goals and objectives, supported the Executive Team in cultivating strategic relationships with key organizations and individuals, acted as personal assistant to the President, assisted the Executive Vice President and Finance Department with monthly budget reporting, and prioritized and managed multiple projects simultaneously with follows-ups on time-critical issues.

Lisa Isaacson has a MPA from Columbia in Public Administration, a BA in Sociology from [Baldwin Wallace University](/org/baldwin-wallace-university), and is certified as a Notary Public from the State of New York.

They work with Claire Sheedy - VP, Housing Operations, Kevin Moran - CFO, and Jeff Scheuer - VP, External Affairs. Their manager is Brenda E. Rosen, President & CEO.

Lisa Isaacson

Jaclyn Sawyer is the Director of Data Systems at [Breaking Ground](/org/breaking-ground), a homeless services and affordable housing organization. Jaclyn has also worked as a Public Interest Technology Research Fellow at the Instituto de Tecnologia & Sociedade do Rio de Janeiro, a Graduate Policy Associate at the Correctional Association of New York's Juvenile Justice Project, and as a Program Development & Evaluation Consultant with CURE-Nigeria. Prior to their current position, Ms. Sawyer served as a Research Assistant in [Dartmouth College](/org/dartmouth)'s Clinical Research Division and as an Evaluation Consultant with Sojourns Community Health Clinic. Jaclyn began their career as a Reproductive Health Counselor with Planned Parenthood Health Systems.

Jaclyn Sawyer has a Master of Science from [Columbia University](/org/columbia-university) in Social Policy & Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts from [American University](/org/american-university). Jaclyn also has certification from [Data Science Dojo](/org/data-science-dojo) in Data Science and Data Engineering Bootcamp and from Instituto de Tecnologia & Sociedade do Rio de Janeiro in International School of Law & Technology.

They are on a team with Diane Gibbs - AVP, Payroll & Benefits, Owen Sweeney - AVP, HR, and Myrna Brown - Director, HR Operations. Their manager is Toby Sherman, VP, Administration.

Jaclyn Sawyer

Vanessa Miller is the AVP of External Affairs at [Breaking Ground](/org/breaking-ground). Vanessa has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, specializing in employee training and development. Vanessa began their career with Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants in 1993, where they opened 67 restaurants across various cuisines. In 2000, they moved to [Brinker International](/org/brinker-international), where they opened 21 Big Bowl Asian Kitchen restaurants. Vanessa has consulted with Gap, Inc/Old Navy to open 4 Torpedo Joes sandwich shops within Old Navy stores.

Vanessa Miller's educational career began at [Las Positas College](/org/las-positas-college), where they studied liberal arts and sciences with a focus on math and science. Vanessa then transferred to [Texas A&M University](/org/texas-a-m-university) to study computer science and mathematics. After completing their undergraduate studies, they pursued a career in teaching mathematics at the secondary level. Vanessa first taught at San Antonio College, and then at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Vanessa is currently enrolled in a BOMI International Facilities Management Certification program. Vanessa has also completed Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (ICGB) and Corporate Crisis Management certifications through the Management & Strategy Institute. In addition, they hold a Certificate of Achievement in Project Management from the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District LERN program, and a 10-hour General Industry Safety and Health Certification from the OSHA Training Institute Education Center at Chabot-Las Positas Community College District. Finally, they have also obtained WAFC Retail Management Certification from [Las Positas College](/org/las-positas-college) and ServSafe: Food Protection Manager Certification from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

Their manager is Jeff Scheuer, VP, External Affairs. They are on a team with Aminah Yoba - Director, Institutional & Major Gifts, Patrick Bonck - Director, Communications.

Vanessa Miller

Michael Rosen is the current VP of Asset Management at [Breaking Ground](/org/breaking-ground). Prior to this, they served as the Vice President for Property Management and Asset Management at Comunilife, Inc. from October 2012 to February 2014.

At Comunilife, Rosen was responsible for all aspects of property and asset management for the organization's 15 buildings in NYC. This included supervision of the Director of Facilities and staff, capital construction projects, annual budgeting, procurement, and compliance with government regulations. Michael also oversaw Comunilife's scatter site housing program, which provided housing for 1000 people throughout the city.

Rosen has a long history of working in asset management and has been instrumental in improving efficiency and lowering costs for their previous employers. Michael is a proven leader with a commitment to excellence and a track record of success in all facets of property management.

Michael Rosen began their educational career at Hunter College, where they received certification from Tax Credit Compliance Systems (TaCCs) in Low Income Housing Tax Credit Compliance (LIHTC) Certification. Michael continued their education at CUNY School of Professional Studies, receiving a Certificate of Achievement - New York City Housing Authority Leadership Academy. Michael also received certification from The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) as a Certified Specialist- Public Housing Manager.

Michael Rosen reports to Kevin Moran, CFO. Some of their coworkers include Aaron Dobish - Director, Business Operations, Housing Operations, Kevin Norman - AVP, Asset Management, and Jon Lee - AVP, Asset Management.

Michael Rosen

Kevin Norman has over two decades of experience working in the housing industry. Kevin began their career in 1990 as a director at the New York City Housing Authority. In this role, they managed a portfolio of mixed finance and asset properties. Kevin remained with the organization for 25 years, until 2015.

In May 2015, Kevin Norman joined Teamsters Local 237 - Housing Division as an assistant to the president. Kevin remained in this role for four years, until September 2019.

Currently, Kevin Norman is the AVP of Asset Management at [Breaking Ground](/org/breaking-ground). In this role, they are responsible for overseeing all aspects of property management, from financials to maintenance.

Kevin Norman has a Bachelor of Science from the [University of Phoenix](/org/university-of-phoenix-inc) in Business Management. Kevin also has certification from [Duolingo](/org/duolingo) in Spanish, [Nan McKay and Associates](/org/nan-mckay-and-associates) in Housing Choice Voucher Specialist, Strategic Supply Chain & Six Sigma Consulting LLC in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Professional, Emergency Management Institute - FEMA in NIMS ICS All Hazards Operations Section Chief, Baruch College School of Public Affairs in New York City Housing Authority Leadership Academy, National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials in Property Management Essentials, and [U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development](/org/department-of-housing-and-urban-development) in Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS) - PHA Physical Inspection Training.

Some of their coworkers include Vijay Shah - AVP, Capital Planning & Construction, Jon Lee - AVP, Asset Management, and Michael Rosen - VP, Asset Management. Their manager is Kevin Moran, CFO.

Kevin Norman

Vijay Shah is the AVP of Capital Planning & Construction at [Breaking Ground](/org/breaking-ground). Vijay has over 25 years of experience in construction management, project management, and engineering. 

Shah began their career in 1986 as a Resident Engineer with the Department of General Services in NYC. Vijay worked on projects such as the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanical Garden Administration Buildings, Fire Houses, Brooklyn Libraries, Armories, and Parking Garages. In 1995, they transferred to the NYC Department of Design and Construction as a Senior Project Manager. Vijay managed the Design and construction of various TB Clinics, Health Centers, Yankee Stadium, and Shea Stadium Capital Improvement Programs for 7 years. 

In 2007, Shah left the Department of Design and Construction to join [Breaking Ground](/org/breaking-ground) as a construction manager. Vijay has been with [Breaking Ground](/org/breaking-ground) ever since, and was promoted to AVP of Capital Planning & Construction in 2016.

Vijay Shah received their master's degree in Construction Management from NJIT. Vijay also holds a B.E. in Civil Engineering from MS University of Baroda, India. In addition, they have an EIT certification.

Some of their coworkers include Jon Lee - AVP, Asset Management, Aaron Dobish - Director, Business Operations, Housing Operations, and Jill Murphy - Controller, Real Estate Operations. Vijay Shah reports to Kevin Moran, CFO.

Vijay Shah

Howard Charton has dedicated their career to helping others. Howard is currently the Director of QA & Compliance at [Breaking Ground](/org/breaking-ground), but they have also spent many years as the Executive Director at SLS Health. In this role, they successfully managed a 50-bed case management service program for mentally ill adults requiring supervised living. Howard was able to help these adults find competitive and semi-competitive employment while providing therapeutic and clinical supports to ensure their success.

During their time at SLS Health, Howard was able to increase annual revenues from $100,000 to more than $3.5 million dollars annually over nine years. Howard also acquired real estate to increase appropriate housing and living space for clients participating in the program. In addition, they maintained personnel services expenses and other costs to under $1,000,000 per year, ensuring the profitability of the services.

Howard has also been active in their community, working with Putnam Community Action Program, Goodwill of New York, Putnam County Soup Kitchen and Putnam Ridge Nursing Home. Through these partnerships, they have been able to provide increased community integration.

HowardCharton is a driven individual who is passionate about helping others. Howard has spent their career in various roles that have allowed him to make a positive impact on the lives of those they work with.

Howard Charton received their Masters of Science in Health Services Administration from [Mercy College](/org/mercy-college) and their BA in Theirtory from State University of New York College at Plattsburgh.

They are on a team with Myrna Brown - Director, HR Operations, Jaclyn Sawyer - Director, Data Systems, and Diane Gibbs - AVP, Payroll & Benefits. Their manager is Toby Sherman, VP, Administration.

Howard Charton

Heather Frey is the AVP of Programs at [Breaking Ground](/org/breaking-ground). Heather previously worked as the Program Administrator at the City of New York's Department of Homeless Services from December 2016 to May 2019. Frey is credited with doubling the number of contracted outreach services across the five boroughs and the subway in partnership with city agencies, public transit, NYPD, and [NYC Health + Hospitals](/org/nyc-health-plus-hospitals). Heather also created new partnerships and initiatives such as the creation of a MAT mobile unit, launched emergency stabilization beds throughout the city, and stood up a diversion program for homeless individuals in the subway system which resulted in a 6% decrease in the NYC street homeless population. Frey is a media expert on homelessness and has given many interviews on the topic.

Heather Frey has a Master of Social Work from the [University of Denver](/org/university-of-denver) and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Warner Pacific University. Heather is certified by the New York State Office of the Professions as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and by SIFI as a Seminar in Field Instruction Certified.

Heather Frey reports to Amie Pospisil, VP, Programs. They are on a team with Erin Madden - AVP, Programs, Chris Tabellario - AVP, Programs.

Heather Frey

Erin Madden is currently the AVP of Programs at [Breaking Ground](/org/breaking-ground). Erin has over fifteen years of experience working in the social services field with a focus on homeless populations. Erin started their career as a case manager with the Partnership for the Homeless. Erin then transitioned to work as a psychiatric social worker with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York. In 2009, they began working as a team supervisor with the Manhattan Outreach Consortium. From 2011 to 2015, Erin worked as a grant and per diem liaison with the Department of Veterans Affairs. In this role, they were responsible for implementing, administering, and evaluating transitional housing programs for homeless veterans in New York City. In 2015, Erin began working as coordinator for special populations with the Office of Public Private Partnerships within the NYC Department of Homeless Services. In this role, they oversaw partnerships with private sector landlords to provide housing for homeless individuals and families. In 2017, Erin became the director of the Project Management Office at the NYC Department of Social Services. In this role, they were responsible for overseeing the implementation of transitional housing programs for homeless veterans in New York City.

Erin Madden has a Bachelor of Arts from [Fordham University](/org/fordham-university) and a Master of Social Work from New York University Silver School of Social Work. Erin is certified in LCSW.

Erin Madden reports to Amie Pospisil, VP, Programs. Erin Madden works with Chris Tabellario - AVP, Programs, Heather Frey - AVP, Programs.

Erin Madden

Kevin Moran is currently the CFO at [Breaking Ground](/org/breaking-ground). Kevin has previously worked as the Chief Financial Officer at The Community Preservation Corporation from February 2011 to June 2014 and as a Regional Controller at TD Bank from January 2006 to December 2010.

Kevin Moran has an MBA in finance and accounting from NYU Stern School of Business. Kevin also has a degree from [George Mason University](/org/george-mason-university) - School of Business. Kevin also attended [George Mason University](/org/george-mason-university) and BHHS.

Some individuals on their team include Michael Rosen - VP, Asset Management, Vijay Shah - AVP, Capital Planning & Construction, and Jon Lee - AVP, Asset Management. They work with Amie Pospisil - VP, Programs, Jeff Scheuer - VP, External Affairs, and Lisa Isaacson - Special Assistant to the President & CEO. Kevin Moran reports to Brenda E. Rosen, President & CEO.

Kevin Moran

Jon Lee is the AVP of Asset Management at [Breaking Ground](/org/breaking-ground), a position they have held since July 2014. Prior to that, they were the Director of Housing Management at Comunilife from April 2013 to July 2014. From September 2003 to December 2012, Jon was the Director of Finance and Business Development at LaRoss Partners.

Jon Lee attended the [University of Pennsylvania](/org/university-of-pennsylvania) and received certification from the National Center for Housing Management in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).

Jon Lee reports to Kevin Moran, CFO. Some of their coworkers include Khadija ElDachach - Controller, Not for Profit Operations, Michael Rosen - VP, Asset Management, and Jean Smith-Gilmour - AVP, Business Operations.

Jon Lee

Michael Franco was appointed Chair of [Breaking Ground](/org/breaking-ground) in June 2015 and has served on the agency’s Board of Directors since 2012. In his first three years on our leadership committee, Michael helped foster an active supportive housing agenda to create more than 800 new units of permanent supportive housing for the most vulnerable New Yorkers. He comes to this role with exceptional qualifications and capabilities. Michael is President of [Vornado Realty Trust](/org/vornado-realty-trust), overseeing acquisitions, dispositions, and capital markets activity. He joined Vornado in 2010 from [Morgan Stanley](/org/morgan-stanley), where he was a Managing Director and served as Head of the [Morgan Stanley](/org/morgan-stanley) Real Estate Funds in the U.S., its flagship real estate investment opportunity fund. Mr. Franco is also a Trustee of the [Urban Land Institute](/org/urban-land-institute).

Michael J. Franco

Judith Rosenfeld

Toby Sherman

Myrna Brown

Diane Gibbs

Owen Sweeney

Jeff Scheuer

Patrick Bonck

Aminah Yoba

Khadija ElDachach

Jill Murphy

Jean Smith-Gilmour

Aaron Dobish

David Beer

Elissa Winzelberg

Zachary Korb

Claire Sheedy

Anna DeLeon

Amie Pospisil

Chris Tabellario

Benjamin Stacks

Tony Hannigan

Michael Lascher

Kara McShane

David Neil

David Walsh

David L. Picket

Richard Roberts

Michael L. Ryan

Philip E. Silverman

Nicholas Tsang

Since co-founding Type A Projects in 2013, Ms. Tirschwell has turned her focus to affordable housing and is currently developing over 650 units of housing in the Bronx, including at Bronx Point where they have joint ventured with L+M Development Partners. With this project they are on track to not only build much needed housing, but also to revitalize the former industrial site with world-class open space and waterfront access alongside the nation’s first museum of hip hop culture, the Universal Hip Hop Museum.

Ann Tirschwell

President and CEO Brenda E. Rosen has devoted her career to the issue of homelessness, first as an attorney in New York City’s Department of Homeless Services. She joined [Breaking Ground](/org/breaking-ground) in 1999 as Director of the Prince George, where she helped to establish a model of sustainable affordable supportive housing for New York City. In 2006, she was promoted to Director of Housing Operations and Programs. In the role of President and CEO since 2011, Brenda leads [Breaking Ground](/org/breaking-ground) in its mission to address homelessness in New York.

Breaking Ground

Org chart

Teams

Board of Directors

Leadership Team

CEO and Executive Team

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