Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958, Jennifer Chait (212) 788-8479
"Today, it is with regret that I accept the resignation of Gordon Campbell, an able and talented administrator, Commissioner and public servant," Mayor Giuliani said. "First as Chief of Staff to First Deputy Mayor Peter Powers in 1994 and most recently as Commissioner of Homeless Services, Mr. Campbell has been an important part of this Administration developing and executing Mayoral policy in a wide range of areas such as housing, human services, transportation and criminal justice. In these and many other areas, he has always provided exceptional leadership and sound guidance."
The Mayor continued, "While his unique talents will be sorely missed, I know he will be an outstanding Executive Director at Victim Services. I want to thank Gordon for his years of service and wish him the best of luck in his new position."
Mr. Campbell has served as Commissioner of Homeless Services since July, 1996, executing the mission of the Department to provide temporary, emergency shelter to eligible homeless families and individuals in a safe, supportive environment. The Department provides services through a continuum of care, where the client assumes responsibility for achieving the goal of independent living. DHS gives emergency housing on any given night to 7,200 single men and women and 4,500 families.
During his tenure, Mr. Campbell has overseen a number of major improvements in the area of homeless services including working with non-profits to expand and enhance the homeless services Continuum of Care and implementing a performance incentive program, among many other improvements.
Prior to becoming Commissioner, Mr. Campbell served as the Chief of staff for former First Deputy Mayor Peter J. Powers. In this position, Mr. Campbell helped develop and execute Mayoral policy covering a wide range of areas including housing, human services, transportation, and criminal justice. He has also been responsible for coordinating many of the operations of City government on behalf of Mayor Giuliani and the First Deputy Mayor.
Mr. Campbell also served as the Deputy Director of the Mayor's Office of Operations and worked at the Human Resources Administration where he headed the Medicaid Transportation Office. At HRA , he was also responsible for creating, organizing, and staffing the Division of AIDS Services. Before serving in City government, Mr. Campbell worked in the Seattle City Attorney's Office as a prosecutor, labor attorney, and Chief Administrator.
As Executive Director of Victim Services, Mr. Campbell will take over operation of the largest victim assistance program in the country. With a budget of $30 million and 700 employees, Victim Services offers a wide range of practical assistance from emergency lock repair, housing and daycare for battered women and assistance with food and transportation to crisis intervention and long term counseling.
Mr. Campbell earned a Masters in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 1985 and a law degree from the University of Washington School of Law in 1979. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Pacific Lutheran University in 1975, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics. He is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Public Administration at New York University's Wagner School of Public Service.