Randy is our 2026 honoree and a longtime board member whose support has strengthened our work for years. This Q&A offers a glimpse into what drives his commitment to New York City’s young people.
Q&A
Q: You have been a dedicated supporter and board member of ExpandED Schools for many years. How did you first learn about our organization, and what motivated you to get involved?
A: When my wife Rona & I decided to support local public education, we reached out to ExpandED’s founder, Lucy Friedman, for her advice. We were inspired by Lucy and her colleagues’ achievements in partnering with the city to restructure after school programs around core quality standards. Adding to our excitement, we recognized the opportunity to leverage our philanthropy through ExpandED, combining it with New York City’s vast resources to positively impact its large mass of public-school students.
Q: You have witnessed ExpandED Schools grow and evolve over time. What changes or progress stand out to you most since you first became involved?
A: The organization has strengthened its trusted relationships with city agencies, continually improving educational outcomes and career development for young people. The value of our collective work was especially evident through and after the pandemic. During lockdowns, we preserved funding for summer youth employment by facilitating outdoor and online opportunities for city adolescents. Once students returned to school, we successfully implemented a proven, high-intensity tutoring program that helped bring students back on track academically. Beyond our organizational achievements, ExpandED has had a profound influence on the youth development field through its employee alumni. Many former staff have assumed the highest leadership roles at vital institutions, including ExpandED itself, now led by Saskia Traill, who previously headed organizational research when I first became involved.
Q: The Ruth Nelson Family Foundation has been a meaningful part of your family’s legacy of giving. What inspires your family’s philanthropic priorities, and how does supporting education fit into that vision?
A: Philanthropy has been a core value in my family for generations, dating back to my grandparents in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where I grew up. Private charity to local organizations is deeply rooted in the community, and my mother focused on helping those most in need. As Rona and I continue to seek to make an impact in our adopted city of New York, we have concentrated our efforts on children and families, believing that a positive childhood is a crucial foundation for life. Afterschool programs not only support young people with engaging social, physical, artistic, and academic activities, they also benefit working parents, reassuring them that their children are safe and constructively engaged outside of the formal school day.
Q: As you look toward the future, what gives you optimism about the next generation of New Yorkers and the role expanded learning can play in their success?
A: As I have learned, New York City invests significantly in youth development through innovative afterschool programs, community schools, smaller classrooms, charters, and tutoring initiatives. We must redouble these efforts to address the emotional and academic challenges facing youth who are confronting rapidly advancing technology. The afterschool hours provide children a valuable opportunity to disconnect from media, focus on social development, and pursue physical and artistic expression, all under the guidance of caring mentors from their community. This time can also be used to teach students technological skills that will prepare them for future careers where such knowledge will be essential.
Q: Many people are inspired to support young people but are not sure where to start. For someone who is considering getting involved with ExpandED Schools, what advice would you offer, and what do you think makes the most meaningful difference?
A: New York City’s large population of children is matched by the vast number of organizations dedicated to serving them. I first became involved with ExpandED because of my relationship with Lucy, my trust in her team, and the organization’s innovative public-private partnership, which has helped shape and direct the city’s education and youth development budget. But volunteers and philanthropists can also champion many other equally worthwhile institutions such as the many community-based organizations that provide direct afterschool services and community schools. Additionally, charter schools have become a valuable part of the educational landscape. Each of these organizations greatly value not only financial support, but also thoughtful engagement and guidance from individuals.