Story #113: Richard Buery, MHSP Founder CEO of Robin Hood
Richard Buery, Jr. (left) and Ayanna Johnson (right).
Event in NYC, May 15th 2024. NYC locals and high profile alumni invited to celebrate PBHA's 120 years as an organization. The evening provided time to network both before and after programming, the program included remarks from Maria, Cody Vasquez (president), RDC's Nana and Hans, Secretary Alex Fernand, alumni panel Rich Buery, Elisabeth Mason, and David Orr, and SUNY Chancellor and 10th secretary of education John King.
Richard R. Buery, Jr. ‘92 founded and directed PBHA’s Mission Hill Summer, one of PBHA’s Summer Urban Program camps. During his time with the organization, he also directed the Mission Hill After School Program and served on PBHA’s Steering Committee. As a trailblazer in the nonprofit and public service sectors, he developed a career dedicated to advancing equal opportunities for underrepresented communities. As the CEO of Robin Hood, one of the nation's leading anti-poverty organizations, Buery leverages his extensive experience to address the root causes of poverty in New York City. Prior to his current role, Buery was the CEO of Achievement First, a network of charter schools, and served as the Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives in New York City, where he spearheaded groundbreaking programs like Pre-K for All, which expanded access to early childhood education, and ThriveNYC, a mental health reform initiative. His leadership also extended to education and youth development, launching initiatives such as Schools Out NYC and building community school partnerships.
A passionate advocate for systemic change, Richard has worked with numerous nonprofit organizations, including the Brennan Center, KIPP, Children’s Aid, and iMentor, which he co-founded to support college-bound high school students. He has also founded several nonprofits, such as Groundwork, which helps public housing residents in Brooklyn achieve educational success. Throughout his career, Buery has been a champion of innovative social policy and community-driven solutions, making him a powerful voice for public service and a model for future generations of leaders.
“My experience at PBHA has profoundly shaped my career. The organization I co-founded…Groundwork Inc…is modeled after the work I did at PBHA’s Mission Hill program. Most powerfully, my experience at PBHA showed me that I could make a real difference in the world—even as a seventeen year old. It’s why I continue to do that work today.” - Richard Buery, Jr.
