Bernell K. Grier

Velmanette Montgomery

May 14, 2012

Bernell K. Grier

Award: HONORING WOMEN IN NEW YORK

Year: 2012

Bernell K. Grier is the CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City, Inc. (NHSNYC). Ms. Grier joined NHSNYC in 2004 as its chief operating officer. Prior to this position, Ms. Grier enjoyed a 30-year career in banking beginning at Chase and spanning through Bank of America and its predecessor banks, NatWest USA and Fleet Bank. Parallel to her career in the banking industry, Ms. Grier has over 25 years of experience serving New York communities in leadership positions with a variety of not-for-profit organizations.

Ms. Grier was appointed to the advisory board of the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs Office of Financial Empowerment in 2011 and to the advisory board of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York in 2010. She currently serves as the treasurer of the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project. Ms. Grier was named as a board member on the Nonprofit Coordinating Committee in March 2012.

A tireless community activist, Ms. Grier also serves on the advisory board of the New York University Furman Center for Real Estate and Public Policy, on the board of Neighborhood Restore, and serves on various committees with NeighborWorks America and the National NeighborWorks Association (NNA). Ms. Grier is a 2010 graduate of the City University of New York, City College and a graduate of the James A. Johnson Community Leaders Program and the NeighborWorks\Harvard Achieving Excellence Program. Ms. Grier has received numerous awards for her community service.

As CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City, Inc. and affi liated entities, she leads a community business and community development fi nancial institution that provides resources to stabilize neighborhoods. Through fi nancial empowerment and aff ordable lending, NHS enables individuals and families to invest in, preserve and improve their neighborhoods, their homes and their future. Ms. Grier’s commitment and compassion is an asset to each organization to which she gives her time.