Congratulations to MEA member Gardea Caphart on his recent promotion as Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Finance and Administration at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). In this capacity, he will be responsible for overseeing the divisions of Budget, Capital Planning, Fiscal Affairs, Human Resources and General Services, which are tasked with managing the agency’s resources and advising the Commissioner and senior management on how to improve efficiency and allocate funding to carry out HPD’s mission.
Gardea brings with him nearly two decades of experience in various roles within city government. Prior to joining HPD as the Assistant Commissioner of Budget in December 2021, Gardea served as the Director of Finance and Operations at the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the agency’s budget, advising leadership on fiscal and operational matters, and managing LPC’s Historic Preservation Grant Program.
Gardea’s appointment comes at a crucial time as New York City seeks to promote the quality and affordability of housing in the city, and strengthen the diversity and vibrancy of its neighborhoods. His experience in managing budgets and advising on fiscal matters makes him a valuable asset to HPD and the city as a whole.
Outside of his professional life, Gardea is actively engaged in his community. He previously served as Treasurer on Brooklyn Community Board 4 and is currently a proud member of MEA’s Toastmasters in Progress (TIP) Club, where he serves as the club’s Treasurer. In his spare time, Gardea enjoys volunteering with New York Cares. He holds an MBA in Finance from St. John’s University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Monroe College.
Congratulations Gardea! MEA is proud to call you one of our members!
