Forestdale Appoints Lorraine Stephens as Executive Director
The Forestdale Inc. Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Lorraine Stephens, MSW, as the new Executive Director (E.D.), effective May 19th, 2025. As E.D., Ms. Stephens will leverage her considerable expertise in government services and nonprofit management to guide Forestdale's growth and improve services for underserved communities in Queens and Brooklyn.
“The Board is delighted to welcome Lorraine, a proven leader with a stellar reputation in our field, to be our next E.D.,” said Heather Murray, Board Chair. “We are confident that Lorraine will move forward with Forestdale’s transformative family-focused work and continue our legacy of creative, high-quality services to the families and communities we serve.”
Ms. Stephens has served as the COO of the Jewish Child Care Association, a sister agency also known for outstanding children and family services. She held numerous leadership roles, including VP at The New York Women’s Foundation, First Deputy Commissioner at the NYC Dept. of Homeless Services, and Deputy Commissioner at the NYC Administration for Children’s Services, where she implemented innovative programs. At ACS, she elevated adoption practice and the placement of teens into foster homes. At DHS, she secured permanent housing for over 38,000 individuals and advanced 9,000 housing units for those with severe mental illness.
“Forestdale’s dynamic reputation makes it an ideal home for me,” said Lorraine Stephens. “They lead in pioneering programming like coaching for youth exiting foster care, attachment therapy for young children, and guaranteed income initiatives for underserved families. I look forward to collaborating with the Board, staff, funders, partners, and communities to continue this tradition.”
Lorraine is a committed activist and long-time resident of Queens, NY. She holds an MSW from Fordham University, a BA from SUNY Binghamton, participated in the Executive Education Program at Harvard University, and holds a post-graduate certificate in Administration from Hunter College. She serves on the Board of COFCCA.
Forestdale Inc. is a 171-year NYC leader in youth and family services, offering prevention, parenting support, foster care, health, and youth development services. It is known for ground-breaking programming that tackles family distress caused by inequity, oppression, and trauma.
“I am excited to work with Lorraine during her leadership transition and to pass the Forestdale baton to the ideal executive for this agency at these times,” said Dr. Weisberg, Forestdale’s E.D.