Grace Rauh named executive director of 5BORO Institute

New nonprofit, 5BORO Institute, nominates journalist and public affairs professional

October 5, 2022 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

Grace Rauh. Photo courtesy of 5BORO Institute

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On Tuesday, the 5BORO Institute, a think tank dedicated to advancing equitable and creative solutions to challenging issues in the city, announced that Grace Rauh is the nonprofit’s first executive director.

5BORO’s immediate agenda advocates for stronger mental health infrastructure in the city, as day care as a means of economic stimulus and the emboldening of the public education system by attracting top tier talent. However, the group focuses broadly on education, workforce development, politics/government, labor, municipal finance, poverty reduction, open space, academia and climate change and resiliency, according to a statement put out Tuesday.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine what is possible for New York and implement bold, creative policy solutions so that our city can thrive and serve the needs of New Yorkers,” said Rauh.

“I’m supremely excited to have the opportunity to work with our incredible board and partners to build this organization and advance innovative ideas to strengthen New York and make it an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Rauh is an award-winning political journalist and communications leader. She began acting in her role as executive director Sept. 19. Most recently, Rauh worked at BridgeBio Pharma, a biopharmaceutical company that develops medicines for people with genetic diseases and cancers.

Rauh’s two-decade career included 11 years as an on-air reporter for NY1 News. Rauh covered local and national politics for NY1 and hosted “Off Topic/On Politics” – NY1’s weekly podcast – as well as the nightly public affairs program, “Inside City Hall.” For her work in political journalism, Rauh was awarded the national Sunshine Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.

She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two-daughters.

“Steering the city through the fiscal crises of the 1970s and beyond taught me the importance of innovative policy and strong financial discipline, as well as the need for leaders and engaged New Yorkers to take an active role in ensuring the city remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for future generations,” said Dick Ravitch, co-chair of 5BORO Institute and former Lt. Governor of New York.

“Grace’s deep network of relationships with government, industry, and community leaders will help bring major stakeholders to the table as we work together to build a stronger New York.”

“This is an all-hands-on-deck moment for New York, and we are heartened by the enthusiastic response we’ve received from New Yorkers who want to be part of the city’s revival,” said Erika Tannor, vice chair of 5BORO Institute and a senior vice president at Tusk Strategies.

“Grace spent years driving critical conversations about the future of our city as a journalist and we are eager for the return of her insightful voice to engage with New Yorkers and government leaders to drive positive change across the five boroughs.”