Lee Perlman Appointed New Board Chair of Commonpoint
Queens, NY – Healthcare executive and philanthropist Lee Perlman was elected Board Chair of Commonpoint on January 1st, 2025.
Perlman’s dedication to a life of service began in high school when his family suffered multiple crises that left him without parental guidance and new responsibilities to care for his brother. “One day, I nervously walked down the block and into the Central Queens Y. That moment changed my life. At the Y, I was surrounded by positive role models who extended kindness, instilled confidence, and gave me a job at summer camp. That began a seven-summer relationship that transitioned me from a kid to a graduate with a master’s degree in health administration. The Y was my glue, my launching point. I have kept it close to my heart for the last 40 years.” says Perlman.
Lee Perlman has been with the Greater New York Hospital Association since 1983, currently serving as Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative and Financial Officer, as well as President of GNYHA Management Corporation. He also founded the GNYHA Summer Enrichment Program, which has placed more than 350 diverse students in summer internships. Perlman brings a wealth of experience to his role as Chairman, with a long and distinguished history of leadership in public service and philanthropy. In 2022, he was appointed by Governor Hochul to be Chairman of the Javits Center. He is the Board President of the Berkshire Theatre Group, Treasurer of The Entertainment Community Fund, Vice Chair and Compliance Officer of the American Theatre Wing, and Chair of the Healthcare Executive Committee for the UJA Federation of New York. He is also Chairman of Friends of EverGreen Meadow Academy, Inc. and the International Sports and Music Project. He also serves on the Boards of the Ronald McDonald House of New York, and Musicians on Call.
He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Binghamton University and his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Cornell University, where he is a distinguished lecturer in the Brooks School of Public Policy. He lives in Larchmont, NY, with his wife, Linda Riefberg, a retired attorney and philanthropist in her own right. They have two adult children who reside in Los Angeles.
Perlman will replace Lawrence (Larry) Gottlieb, whose term as Board Chair at Commonpoint has ended. Gottlieb has served as Board Chair of Commonpoint for ten years. His journey with Commonpoint began eighteen years ago through an “Executive for a Day” program with the UJA Federation of New York.
“I am deeply honored to have served as board chair for Commonpoint for the past 10 years, and I couldn’t be more confident about the future of this remarkable organization under Lee Perlman’s leadership,” said Larry Gottlieb. “His passion and commitment to Commonpoint’s mission will ensure that we continue to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. I look forward to seeing all Lee and the board accomplish together.”
It was at that outing that Larry experienced the transformative power of Commonpoint for the first time as he witnessed the Bar Mitzvah of an autistic child that Commonpoint organized. “Under his leadership, we merged the Sam Field and Central Queens Y’s into Commonpoint, grew to 82 locations throughout New York City, and expanded programs and services to the community. Although Larry is moving to Chair Emeritus, he will continue to be our common point. With Lee’s leadership, we are excited to continue growing and providing essential resources to our community. His longstanding, personal connection to the agency, together with his understanding, unwavering passion, and genuine compassion for serving the most vulnerable, along with his extensive and invaluable experience, will greatly support Commonpoint,” says Danielle Ellman, CEO of Commonpoint.
For more information, please contact Judy Vladimir at jvladimir@commonpoint.org or 718-225-6750 ext. 345.
***
More About Commonpoint
Guided by the Jewish values of service and justice, Commonpoint was founded to meet the evolving needs of our community, which we continue to do today. Commonpoint has grown to be your local community center, with 82 locations throughout New York City, providing a depth of services to people of every religion, ethnicity, cultural background, gender identity, ability, and age.
Commonpoint is proud to be one of over 100 beneficiary agencies in the UJA-Federation of New York network. We receive grants from the UJA-Federation of New York, which help us serve our 100,000+ program participants. To learn more, go to www.commonpoint.org.
