Habitat For Humanity Of Suffolk Appoints New Executive Director

MIDDLE ISLAND, NY — Lee Silberman was appointed executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk, the organization announced.

The Board of Directors unanimously approved his selection, and Silberman will assume his duties on Oct. 1.

Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, is a charity that aims to work with thousands of Suffolk County volunteers and responsible, low income families of all races, religions and creeds to build and renovate homes so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which people can live and grow.

Tracey Edwards, who previously held the position, was appointed to the Public Service Commission in late June. Following a few month-long process, the Executive Committee chose Silberman to take over.

A 40-year resident of Long Island, Silberman is a longtime supporter of Habitat Suffolk. He first volunteered in the mid-1990s on a worksite in Bay Shore and joined the Board of Directors in the late 1990s. His board service culminated with serving as chairman of the board from 2012 through June 30, 2018.

His accomplishments include securing more than $1 million in funds for Habitat Suffolk, and he was named the 2017 Stephen A. Antaki Memorial Construction Partner of the Year in recognition of his years of services.

"After spending my career in the corporate world,” Silberman stated, “I am looking forward to finishing my career by giving back and making a positive impact on Suffolk County."

Philanthropy, volunteerism and executive leadership are core values for Silberman. He has raised significant funding to support programs and services at Temple Isaiah Synagogue in Stony Brook and at Huntington Jewish Center. Silberman also served as alumni president of his class at Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 2001 to 2016.

His corporate leadership included 20 years as executive vice president at Duralee Fabrics, Ltd., and he finished his professional career serving as CEO of The Robert Allen Duralee Group Inc.

"We couldn't be more delighted to have Lee heading the organization as we seek to
grow our impact in Suffolk County," stated Habitat Suffolk Board Chair Raymond Homburger. "His experience in philanthropy, working with volunteers and in leading a successful organization will be invaluable in helping us empower families to achieve their dreams of homeownership, and keep Habitat Suffolk building for as long as needed to make sure every family in Suffolk County has a simple, decent and affordable place to live and call home."