Veteran development professional Elliot Berger’s diverse background will help drive growth of youth mentoring programs
Elliot Berger
Press Release – NEW YORK, February 20, 2018 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City (BBBS of NYC), the nation’s first and New York’s largest youth mentoring organization, today announced the addition of Elliot Berger as chief development officer.
Berger brings three decades of experience in leadership roles addressing the needs of nonprofits and philanthropists. He has established a national reputation for high-impact philanthropy and next generation preparation, speaking at events including the Yale Philanthropy Conference and Social Impact Exchange. Throughout his career, Berger has effectively supported hundreds of philanthropists by building customized plans that integrate and maximize all aspects of their resources, including grants, investments, intellectual capital, and networks.
“Elliot’s experience in management and major gifts will be instrumental as he leads our organization’s development efforts,” said Hector Batista, chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC. “We look forward to leveraging his extensive expertise to increase the impact of donations as we continue to raise the critical funds needed to match more children throughout the five boroughs with caring adult mentors.”
In his new capacity as chief development officer, Berger will oversee the special events team and manage giving from individuals, foundations, and government sources. Prior to joining BBBS of NYC, he served as the vice president of institutional advancement for New York Law School, where he directed the development campaign and alumni relations. Earlier in his career, he served as director of development for New York University’s (NYU) Stern School of Business, where he oversaw individual major giving for 12 divisions of the university.
Berger’s prior experience also includes work in the private sector to advance philanthropy, including positions with Arabella Advisors and a 13-year career at Merrill Lynch, working with the firm’s wealthiest clients to help maximize their social and financial returns.
Berger is currently a mentor and member of the Advisory Board for Resolution Project. He has been a visiting lecturer at NYU’s Center for Philanthropy and has served on a number of boards and committees including: the International Center for the Study of Radicalization, Community Health Charities Northeast, and the Rutgers Anniversary Campaign. He is also a founding member of the task team on resource mobilization for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria. He graduated with honors from Rutgers College and earned his MBA from Rutgers University.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City
Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC (BBBS of NYC), the nation’s first and NYC’s largest youth mentoring organization, has served the changing needs of New York City’s most at-risk youth since 1904. The volunteer- and donor-based organization offers a variety of specialized mentoring programs to help children facing more complex challenges – including immigrant youth, children of incarcerated parents and those in foster care – as well as the Workplace Mentoring Program, which helps businesses throughout New York City positively impact the lives of young people and build a foundation for professional success. Additionally, since 1992 BBBS of NYC has worked through its Center for Training and Professional Development to equip non-profit professionals throughout New York City to develop and enhance their own mentor-based programs and organizations.
Through the support of individuals, foundations and corporations, this not-for-profit agency has been able to change the lives of the city’s most disadvantaged children, matching them with caring adult role models – dependable friends who can help to expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures. All contributions enable BBBS of NYC to continue to foster current match relationships and also provide more New York City children with life-changing mentors. Approximately $3,500 funds the establishment of a new one-on-one match relationship for one year. To learn more, become a mentor, donate and/or offer support, please visit www.bigsnyc.org.
