Pattern for Progress CEO to Retire at End of 2021

NEWBURGH—Jonathan Drapkin, the longtime president and CEO of Pattern for Progress, will be leaving the regional think tank at the end of this year.

Drapkin’s departure was announced on July 8th by Suzanne Loughlin, Pattern Board chair and founder of CrisisRisk Strategies, LLC, who said, “Our longtime leader, Jonathan Drapkin, will step down from his role as President and CEO at the end of the year, allowing him to explore passions and interests beyond Pattern.”

Drapkin joined Pattern in December 2006 and under his leadership Pattern has become well known as the region’s public policy think tank and a leading strategic planning organization.

“Throughout the Hudson Valley and New York State, Jonathan’s insight and guidance was often sought after. With the support of his talented staff, Pattern’s influence was felt in shaping the delivery of government services, the realization of downtown revitalization, understanding regional demographics, housing and so much more,” Loughlin added.

Drapkin’s career experience in government and the private sector helped him earn the trust of New York State administrations, serving as a member of two commissions focused on the restructuring of local government. Since its inception, he also served on the Executive Committee of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. During the COVID-19 pandemic he was a member of the Mid-Hudson’s Regional Control Room. Through these engagements, Pattern developed relationships with many county and municipal leaders to support strategic thinking regarding the delivery of government services.

“I wish to thank all of the board and staff—past and present—who I have had the privilege to work with. I have always considered being the CEO and President of Pattern to be the best job in the Hudson Valley,” said Drapkin, “I look forward to continuing to be a part of the regional dialogue and I know the Pattern team will continue to do good work for our community.”

Among the more notable Pattern programs launched during Drapkin’s tenure include the Urban Action Agenda to assist municipalities with their pathway forward; the Pattern Fellows, a mid-career training program on regionalism; Community Rebuilders, which assists residents in bringing ideas to fruition on how to better their communities; and the newest program, the Board Institute, which will create a pathway from the community to board service for underrepresented people.

Pattern’s numerous research reports, such as Out of Alignment in 2019 and The Pathway Forward in June 2021, helped spark discussion and debate throughout the Valley on a host of key issues facing the region.

Drapkin also helped create regional dialogs between County Executives, Mid-Hudson mayors, and planning commissioners. Most recently, known as the “Job Connection Task Force,” Pattern brought together economic and workforce development leaders to form a regional approach to look at the relationship between economic development and the region’s workforce in the changing post Pandemic world, Pattern officials stated.

Incoming Pattern Board Chair and Vice President of Customer Services and Gas Operations at Central Hudson Anthony Campagiorni said, “Jonathan always brought a passion for the region and he will be missed. Looking ahead we will build on Jonathan’s legacy, continuing to address and bring visibility to the region’s most pressing issues in order to ensure a growing economy and vibrant quality of life for all of the residents of the Hudson Valley.”

A search committee of the board has been formed and has begun the process of finding Drapkin’s replacement.

During his tenure at Pattern the policy, planning, advocacy and research non-profit organization has been recognized on numerous occasions including Orange County Association of Realtors Excellence in Innovation Award (2008), President’s Award for analysis and leadership on the MTA Payroll Tax from the Orange County Chamber of Commerce (2009), President’s Award for Service to the Rockland Business Association for analysis of the county’s finances (2013) and Hudson River Housing’s Community Builder Award (2014).

Prior to joining Pattern, Drapkin served as executive director of the Gerry Foundation in Sullivan County from 2000 to 2006, where he guided the creation of the Bethel Woods performing arts center at the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. Prior to that, he was county manager of Sullivan County. He was awarded the Sullivan County Partnership’s Distinguished Service Award (2006), the Walter Rhulen Award as Businessman of the Year (2001), the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Service Award (2000), and the American Society for Public Administration’s Award for Outstanding Administrator for the New York Metropolitan Chapter (1996).

Drapkin spent his earlier years in New York City where he worked in the administration of Mayor Ed Koch and as Director of the New York City Council’s Office of Oversight and Investigation.

He also served as a member of two governors’ commissions focusing on the restructuring of local government and currently serves on the executive committee of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. Drapkin has also taught government efficiency and effectiveness in Baruch College’s Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

Drapkin graduated from Washington University, after completing a year abroad at Durham University in Northern England; he then earned a Master’s degree in economics from Long Island University, and a law degree from Benjamin Cardozo School of Law.