NYU Furman Center Announces Leadership Transition: Brad Greenburg Named Executive Director as Matt Murphy Departs for NYC HDC
The NYU Furman Center announced today that Brad Greenburg has been appointed as its next Executive Director. Greenburg, who currently serves as the Center’s Deputy Director, will succeed Matt Murphy, who is stepping down on March 3rd to join the senior leadership team at New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
The transition marks a milestone for the NYU Furman Center, an institution at the forefront of New York City’s housing and urban policy research. Both Murphy and Greenburg share deep roots with the Center, having served as research assistants during their time as students at NYU.
A Legacy of Growth and Impact
Matt Murphy departs after seven years of transformative leadership. During his tenure as Executive Director, Murphy shepherded the Center through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly doubled the size of the staff, and oversaw the release of seven State of the New York City’s Neighborhoods and Housing reports. Under his guidance, the Center also completed a comprehensive overhaul of its digital infrastructure and website.
“Matt has been an extraordinary Executive Director and steward of the Center’s mission,” said Faculty Directors Vicki Been, Ingrid Gould Ellen, and Katherine O’Regan in a joint statement. “He brought passion and policy brilliance to his work, along with joy and kindness. Having started here as a student, Matt paid that experience forward by mentoring scores of research assistants. We are grateful for his many contributions and are proud to see him bring his expertise to his new role at the New York City Housing Development Corporation.”
In his farewell note, Murphy reflected on the institution’s role in the city: “The NYU Furman Center occupies an important place in New York City’s civic landscape. Its work reflects a commitment to advancing rigorous research and training the next generation of leaders. This institution will always feel like home to me.”
Ensuring Continuity and Excellence
The appointment of Brad Greenburg ensures a seamless transition for the Center’s ongoing research and policy initiatives. Greenburg joined the Furman Center in Fall 2024 as Deputy Director, quickly becoming central to major projects, including the recent report on Federal Programs in New York City.
A graduate of the NYU School of Law, Greenburg brings a wealth of high-level government and legal experience to the role. He previously served as Chief Compliance Officer and Special Counsel to the CEO for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), where he managed the Authority’s work under its agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and HUD. He also practiced real estate law at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.
“Brad is the perfect choice to guide the institution forward,” the Faculty Directors noted. “He possesses outstanding leadership skills, rigorous thinking, and a deep knowledge of housing policy and practice. We are confident he is exceptionally well prepared to lead us through our next chapter.”
