Distinguished Executives Join QCH's Board of Directors

Queens Community House is pleased to announce that Madhuri Kommareddi and Thomas Knierim have joined as the newest members of its Board of Directors.  Both members bring with them extensive experience in both the public and private sectors.

Kommareddi currently serves as Vice President of BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager. She worked previously for the Clinton Foundation as Director of Job One and as Director of Program Development for the Office of Hillary Rodham Clinton.  Before that, Kommareddi was as a Policy Aide for Barack Obama’s campaign in 2008 and later served as White House Associate Staff Secretary and then Director of International Affairs for the White House National Security Council and National Economic Council.

Kommareddi, a Sunnyside resident, credits her interest in serving on a board to her belief that as Americans we must all do our part.

“Our country and our democracy require all of us to be active participants in our neighborhoods,” she said. “Part of that participation is giving back to communities, and helping our fellow citizens and new residents succeed.  Neighbors in Queens, despite their backgrounds, work together to make our communities stronger and give children opportunities to succeed. Queens Community House is one of those neighbors, providing a unique range of services to low-income populations throughout the borough.”

“I’m excited to be part of the organization because I believe its leadership is focused on how to do its work in not only an efficient way but also in an innovative way moving forward,” she stated.

Knierim has similar sentiments toward now being a part of QCH’s life-changing work.

“They have such a wonderful array of programs and talented people, I knew I wanted to be a part of their board,” Knierim said. “They are ultimately reaching people and helping them in ways that the public sector cannot.”

Knierim is Group Director and Senior Vice President of Signature Bank. Previous positions include Vice President of Citibank, Executive Director of Long Island City Business Development Corporation, and Associate Director of the 14th Street-Union Square LDC.  He also currently serves on the board of the Long Island City Partnership.

“I grew up in Glendale and also lived in Whitestone for many years. I know Queens and I love the diversity and vitality of its neighborhoods,” he said. “I wanted to be more involved and give back to the community. Queens Community House is a perfect fit because of the work they do to support and nurture our borough’s families and neighborhoods.”

With the addition of Kommareddi and Knierim, Queen Community House, a $16 million nonprofit serving more than 20,000 children, youth, adults and older adults in the borough every year, has expanded its Board of Directors to 15 members.