Former Deutsche Bank VP to lead LISC NYC

NEW YORK, Sept. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sam Marks, a national leader in philanthropy and social investment, is the new executive director of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation's (LISC's) New York City program. LISC is a national nonprofit that has invested more than $2 billion to help revitalize some of New York City's most distressed neighborhoods.

Marks comes to LISC NYC from Deutsche Bank, where he served as vice president of both the Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation and the bank's Global Social Finance group. His philanthropic, lending and investing activities covered programmatic areas that include affordable housing, economic development, immigrant entrepreneurship, energy efficiency and community resiliency.

He succeeds Denise Scott, LISC NYC's long-time leader and a central figure in New York community development for more than two decades. Scott was promoted to LISC executive vice president in charge of local programs in 30 urban areas across the country as well as LISC's rural development work in 39 states. LISC has invested $14 billion nationally to revive low-income communities.

"For LISC, bringing Sam on board and elevating Denise gives us the best of both worlds," said Michael Rubinger, president and CEO. "We have Denise's leadership and expertise at the national level helping support innovative community development. At the same time, we now have Sam's depth of experience and insight into New York neighborhoods helping drive our work here. He will be a tremendous asset to LISC and to our community partners across the city."

A native New Yorker and former educator, Marks has long worked at organizations that bridge the city's social and financial capital to low-income communities and families.  Before joining Deutsche Bank, he was director of housing and community development at WHEDco, a South Bronx community development corporation. He also founded Breakthrough New York, a citywide organization that helps low-income students advance along the path toward college.

"I can't imagine a better job than helping people all over New York make their neighborhoods safer, stronger and healthier," said Marks. "Great neighborhoods don't happen by accident. They require strong civic and neighborhood-based institutions that guide how investments are made in housing, schools, local businesses, healthy food options and parks. That's what LISC does every day and I'm excited to be a part of this work."

In addition to his professional efforts, Marks serves as vice chair of the Center for Urban Pedagogy, a nonprofit that uses the power of design and art to increase meaningful civic engagement. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University and a Masters in Public Policy and Urban Planning from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Marks officially joins LISC NYC on November 3.

About LISC NYC
LISC New York City is dedicated to helping low-income New York City neighborhoods become healthy communities of choice – good places to live, do business, work and raise families. Over the last 30 years, LISC New York City has invested $2 billion in housing, economic development and more. We have partnered with 75 community-based organizations to develop 33,000 affordable homes and apartments and more than 2 million square feet of commercial space. For more, on LISC NYC, visit www.lisc.org/nyc/ . To learn more about national LISC, visit www.lisc.org.

Contact:
Helene Caloir, LISC NYC
212-455-9584 or [email protected]

SOURCE LISC