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Youth INC, a leading New York City capacity builder for youth development nonprofits, announced today that Rehana Farrell will be stepping down as executive director after ten years of transformative leadership. Following a robust succession planning process over the past few months, the board of Youth INC appointed Lauren McCort, chief program officer, as its new executive director, effective March 17, 2025. This seamless transition ensures continuity and a strong strategic vision, driven by an outstanding team whose impact continues to fuel success.
“As principal architect of Youth INC’s strategic plan, Lauren has crafted an inspiring vision for the organization’s future in support of the youth of New York,” said Kathleen McCabe, partner, PJT Partners, and Youth INC board co-chair, “With a track record of strong leadership, a gift for building partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to purpose-driven impact, Lauren is the right person to lead Youth INC into its next chapter.”
“At Youth INC, we know that lasting impact is not created in isolation—it is built through partnership. By equipping youth-serving nonprofits with the resources, skills, and networks they need to thrive, we can strengthen the entire ecosystem that supports young people,” said McCort. “It is an incredible honor to step into the role of executive director and to continue working alongside our dedicated nonprofit partners, our talented team, our committed board of directors, and our generous community of supporters to build a more vibrant and sustainable youth development sector.”
McCort has nearly 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including 13 years at Youth INC. As chief program officer, she has strengthened youth development nonprofits through capacity-building programs and built a team of nonprofit management experts who have worked to forge strong, trusting relationships with its nonprofit partners, centering their needs in Youth INC’s work.
Her previous experience includes roles at Dancewave and Broadway Housing Communities. She holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Binghamton University, and a certificate in Principles and Practices in Organizational Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University.
During Farrell’s tenure, Youth INC raised over $65 million to advance its mission, doubling its nonprofit partners to over 90 organizations, expanding its programs to meet the sector’s evolving needs, and launching a measurement and evaluation platform to maximize youth outcomes. A champion for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), Farrell worked to increase the diversity of the organization’s staff and board and build a culture of inclusion.
“Under Rehana’s impassioned leadership over the last 10 years, we expanded our partner network and deepened our impact, evolving into one of the leading youth development capacity builders today,” said Wray Thorn, partner and co-founder, Focus Impact Partners, and Youth INC board co-chair. “We are profoundly grateful for her many contributions, including positioning Youth INC for future growth and continued success.”
“It’s humbling to have played a small part in empowering thousands of nonprofit leaders to uplift over one million New York City youth over the past decade,” said Farrell. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that under Lauren’s visionary leadership, Youth INC will flourish. With Lauren at the helm, Youth INC is poised for continued growth, innovation, and impact, ensuring young people across New York City have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”
