First Deputy Public Advocate Nick E. Smith Appointed Executive Director of Communities Resist

First Deputy Public Advocate Nick E. Smith Appointed Executive Director of Communities Resist
Smith Takes Helm of Housing Rights Organization as it Plans Citywide Expansion

Brooklyn, NY – Today, Communities Resist (CoRe) announced the hiring of Nick E. Smith as its new Executive Director. His appointment took effect on June 10, 2024. Nick succeeds Lina Lee, who stepped down from the role earlier this year after serving since CoRe’s inception in 2019.

A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and St. John’s University School of Law, Nick has over a decade of experience in advocacy, government, and coalition-building across all levels of government.

He previously served as First Deputy to Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams and was Deputy Chief of Staff to then-Council Member Williams, where he coordinated the work of the Council’s Committee on Housing and Buildings. He served as a Legislative Representative to then-Mayor Bill de Blasio, where he negotiated more than 200 housing and public safety-related bills. He also served as Director of Legislation and Communications for Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, the Assembly Housing Chair.

Finally, Nick has been recognized as a leading figure in New York City by Crain’s New York Business, City and State, amNY, and the New Leaders Council.

“Every year, thousands of our fellow New Yorkers experience some form of housing insecurity. Whether we struggle to pay the rent, live in units suffering from disrepair, or are being priced out of our own neighborhoods, we need action,” said Nick E. Smith, Executive Director of Communities Resist. “This is exactly why we need CoRe fighting for tenants all over this city. I’m thrilled to be joining this team, which has notched several impressive wins since its 2019 founding. I look forward to building on this work and helping to realize a more affordable New York City. I also thank my predecessor, Lina Lee, for her years of service and dedication to the cause.”

“Congratulations to Nick as the new Executive Director of Communities Resist! CoRe is honored to have a mission-focused, exemplary and dedicated leader to guide CoRe as we continue to expand and serve NYC tenants during this critical time,” said Lina Lee, co-founder and former Executive Director of Communities Resist.

“The Board of Communities Resist is excited to welcome Nick and enter a new stage in our fight for housing rights and housing justice. While we are sad to see Lina go after so many years of incredible work, we have every confidence that Nick’s leadership will empower our team and the communities and tenants we serve in new and bold ways. CoRe stands ready to serve New Yorkers with a vision for transformational and sustainable change for our vibrant and beloved communities,” said Albert Suh, Board Chair of Communities Resist.

“I am delighted to welcome Nick E. Smith as the new Executive Director of Communities Resist. With a longstanding commitment to housing justice, Nick has always been a powerful advocate for tenants’ rights. As Co-Founder of Communities Resist, I am excited to see Nick lead our legal services and advocacy efforts, continuing our mission to empower low-income communities and fight against gentrification and displacement in Brooklyn and Queens,” said Councilmember Shekar Krishnan and co-founder of Communities Resist.

“Nick has long been a dedicated public servant for the City of New York, utilizing his policy and legal expertise to drive equitable and inclusive change across the city. As First Deputy Public Advocate, he advanced the agency in countless ways, from expanding our office footprint to pursuing significant legislative victories that have made a lasting impact on New Yorkers across the five boroughs. I look forward to continuing that work as he enters into his new role with Communities Resist,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams.

“In order to face New York’s housing crisis head on, and to prevent eviction and displacement of tenants, it is important to have leaders with a thorough knowledge of the housing landscape and the challenges our communities face, and an ability to leverage that knowledge to organize and take effective action. I congratulate Nick Smith on his appointment as Executive Director, and I look forward to working with him and everyone at Communities Resist in the fight for housing justice,” said Senator Brian Kavanagh, Chair of the Senate Housing Committee.

“Protecting the rights of tenants, advancing racial justice and empowering communities have been central themes in Nick’s work both in and out of government. The appointment of Nick Smith as Executive Director of Communities Resist is an excellent choice and I have no doubt that his passion and enthusiasm for helping those in need will shine through and be to the benefit of the many people and communities that CoRe impacts each year,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing.

“Prioritizing tenants’ rights through robust legal services and relentless advocacy is essential to maintaining the character and lifeblood of our neighborhoods. Communities Resist is the leading organizing and community-based legal services in my district that has initiated over 4,000 court cases to fight against displacement of the most vulnerable in our communities. While I am saddened to see Lina Lee leave, I am excited by the opportunity to work with Nick E. Smith to support CoRe and advance their mission of empowering tenants and holding the powerful accountable,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez.

“I am delighted that Nick E. Smith is stepping into the role of Executive Director for Communities Resist. Nick’s thoughtful leadership will continue to build upon the dynamic work of his predecessor and the entire CoRe team, who have served our Brooklyn and Queens constituents with extraordinary care and dedication. Our office looks forward to working with Nick and CoRe’s staff as they continue their collaborative work of empowering our communities to exercise their rights and fight for justice,” said Senator Julia Salazar.

“Communities Resist provides absolutely vital services for tenants in North Brooklyn and beyond. That’s why I am so thrilled an experienced and dedicated leader like Nick E. Smith is taking the helm at this critical moment. I look forward to working with him closely as we tackle the housing crisis and help neighbors build community power,” said Assemblymember Emily Gallagher.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to Nick Smith on his new role as Executive Director at Communities Resist. Nick has a long history in public service and I am sure he will bring those skills and dedication to this new role. CoRe has been a longstanding partner in our work to empower tenants; I am looking forward to our continued work and seeing CoRe’s growth under Nick’s leadership,” said Assemblymember Steven Raga.

“Nick has long been a champion for tenants, ensuring New Yorkers have access to safe, livable housing. CoRe’s appointment of Nick as Executive Director will benefit so many New Yorkers, as he helps to expand CoRe’s critical reach even further and create better living conditions for more households. I’m looking forward to Nick bringing his experience and background on citywide issues to CoRe,” said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez.

“I am excited to see Nick Smith stepping into the role of Executive Director at Communities Resist. Nick’s extensive experience in advocacy and housing rights will be invaluable as CoRe expands its impact citywide. I look forward to seeing the positive change and continued success under his leadership,” said Council Member Sandy Nurse.

“Nick Smith is a terrific leader – his determination and passion for serving New Yorkers is unparalleled and I am thrilled to continue working closely with him as the new executive director of CoRe. CoRe provides vital housing resources for our communities and with Nick at the helm I know they will continue going above and beyond for tenants,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler.

“Congratulations to Communities Resist (CoRe) on this appointment. Nick E. Smith is a proven leader and strong advocate for tenants.  I look forward to continuing our work together to address the housing crisis low income families are facing in New York City,” said Judith Goldiner, Attorney in Charge, Civil Law Reform Unit, The Legal Aid Society.

About Communities Resist

Communities Resist (“CoRe”) is a community-based housing legal services and advocacy organization established and led by people of color to empower, educate and represent low-income communities and community coalitions preventing gentrification and displacement. Founded in 2019, CoRe has racked up several impressive wins, stopping nearly 1,000 evictions, filing 4,000+ affirmative litigation cases, engaging more than 8,000 New Yorkers at housing rights workshops and recovering settlements of all sizes for tenants across New York City.

“After years of feeling powerless against our abusive landlord who wasn’t providing heat and hot water nor repairing my apartments, my neighbors and I had no other choice than to reach out for help. With the help of our attorney from Communities Resist we were able to organize a Tenant Association and fight back against the abusive landlord. We finally won,” said Ramona Blash of 316 Suydam St. Tenant Association.

###