Long Island housing advocate picked for board (Real LI)

Long Island housing advocate Marge Rogatz has been tapped to sit on the board of directors of the State of New York Mortgage Agency.

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli picked Rogatz, longtime president and chief executive officer of Community Advocates, to be his representative on the board.

“Marge Rogatz brings the kind of experience and drive that can make a difference,” said DiNapoli, former Democratic assemblyman from Great Neck. “She understands the need for affordable housing, and more importantly, she knows how to get things done.”

Rogatz helped create several nonprofits, including the Nassau-Suffolk Coalition for the Homeless and ERASE Racism. She’s credited with helping to bring more than $80 million in federal and other funds for Long Island housing needs. Last year, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi made her the head of his 10-year plan to end homelessness.

“Having spent most of my life advocating for decent affordable housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families, I feel extremely fortunate to have this opportunity to serve on the SONYMA board,” Rogatz said. “I look forward to working with everyone at SONYMA to make the dream of homeownership possible for many more New Yorkers.”