HSU 2026 Gala and Awards Reception

George Nashak is the President & CEO of Care For the Homeless (CFH). Since joining CFH in 2017, the organization has grown into a $65+ million provider of health care, residential services, and social services to New York City’s homeless and unstably housed population. CFH also participates actively in the public dialog about homelessness and advocates for proven solutions. Prior to joining CFH, George served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of HELP USA, where he oversaw the organization’s portfolio of housing and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness.

Prior to his position at HELP USA, George spent 8 years at the New York City Department of Homeless Services. He began as the Assistant Commissioner for Housing and Program Planning, where he worked on the New York/New York III Agreement. Following his appointment as Deputy Commissioner for Adult Services, he oversaw the single adult shelter system, DHS’ street homelessness services, and the re-housing of homeless adults. In addition to his duties at CFH, George serves on the Board of Directors of Homeless Services United and St. Francis’ Friends of the Poor.

Frederick “Fred” Shack served as leader in New York City’s social services field for decades, not only in direct services but also in impactful advocacy roles. Fred filled a void at crucial time by becoming a founding member and past president of Homeless Services United. He also served in leadership roles on the boards of the Human Services Council of New York, the Supportive Housing Network of New York, and NASW–New York State Chapter. His contributions to nonprofits were outstanding as well. He was the Chief Executive Officer of Urban Pathways for more than two decades, leading the nonprofit in providing housing and support to homeless and at risk adults throughout the metropolitan area. Under his leadership, Urban Pathways developed over 600 units of affordable and supportive housing, including eight buildings across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and expanded its housing portfolio and programs to help thousands of New Yorkers find stability and a safe place to call home.

Prior to joining Urban Pathways in 2005 as Executive Director, Fred spent 14 years at HELP USA, where he served as Senior Vice President for Client Services and Public Policy. He gave a tremendous amount of his time and energy to mentoring new social workers and taught courses on homelessness policy and field supervision at the Columbia University School of Social Work. Fred held both a BA in psychology and an MSW in social work from Rutgers University and was widely regarded as one of New York City’s most principled and effective nonprofit leaders.

Steve Rockman brings more than three decades of experience in homeless services, substance use treatment, and housing to his work in New York City. He began his career at Samaritan Village Inc. in 1988, holding clinical and executive leadership roles including Vice President at Samaritan Daytop Village, where he led new initiatives, expanded outpatient services, and built partnerships across government and nonprofit communities. In 1991, he oversaw the intergovernmental homeless outreach program at Grand Central Station known as "On the Right Track."

Steve earned his CASAC certification in addiction counseling and served on the HSU Board of Directors for seven terms, including as Treasurer from FY19 through FY21. He currently leads Community Care Consultants LLC, partnering with developers, nonprofits, and government to address homelessness in New York City.