How New Robin Hood CEO Buery Plans to Fight NYC Poverty

Richard R. Buery Jr., is starting his first full year as CEO of Robin Hood. But he’s no stranger to New York City’s largest poverty-fighting organization.

He first encountered the foundation 20 years ago, when Groundwork, the group he co-founded to support children in public housing developments in Brooklyn, received its first Robin Hood grant. Now, he is eager to bring his experience to lead the group that helps more than 500,000 New Yorkers each year.

Buery, 50, replaced the popular Wes Moore — a combat veteran, Rhodes Scholar and now a candidate for Maryland governor — as Robin Hood’s CEO in September.

“I hope to do the same as he did but in my own way,” said Buery, who has co-founded several nonprofits, including iMentor, Children’s Aid College Prep Charter School, and the Mission Hill Summer Program. He also served as a deputy mayor of New York City, a period when he established the city’s Pre-K for All program and founded the city’s Department of Veterans Services.

“My goal,” he said, “is to say, ‘How do we come together to make our city better and stronger and one that works for everyone, particularly during this difficult time?’ ”

First, though, Buery must lead Robin Hood through the COVID-19 crisis in New York. He recently spoke with The Associated Press about his plans and his approach. The interview was edited for clarity and length.

Q: What is New York’s current level of need?