– New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of Michael Sedillo as the executive director of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services. Sedillo will oversee the office’s efforts across city government to develop and promote a culture of customer service, introduce data-driven performance management measures, and reform practices, policies, and procedures to support nonprofits to contract with and deliver essential services to the city more easily.
Mayor Adams also today announced progress on several new efforts to help pay nonprofit providers faster. The Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (MOCS) launched a Payment Backlog Initiative in October 2024, focusing on clearing outstanding payments from Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 to FY25. In three months, over $1 billion was disbursed, and over 3,700 invoices were processed. Since announcing reforms to simplify bureaucratic barriers and allowing nonprofits to invoice faster in summer 2024, the average time to process discretionary contracts making use of this reform dropped from 366 days in FY24 to just 46 days in FY25 — a nearly 90 percent reduction, slashing nearly 11 months of delays. Finally, the Adams administration has launched the Nonprofit FOCUS (Facilitating On-Time Contracting & Urgent Solutions) Working Group, led by Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana Almanzar. Nonprofit FOCUS brings together senior City Hall officials on a weekly basis to examine contract performance data and make key programmatic, policy, or budgetary decisions that support expeditious nonprofit payments.
“Nonprofit workers never hesitate to answer the call from our city, whether it’s an international humanitarian crisis, a global pandemic, or helping a neighbor in need. The last thing they should have to worry about is getting paid on time,” said Mayor Adams. “Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction, proving that reforms are working on cutting red tape, and agencies are sprinting to unlock hundreds of millions for providers. Leading our efforts to get that work done is Michael Sedillo, a leader with a track record of delivering for working-class New Yorkers. Thanks to his leadership with ‘Jobs NYC’ and launching our community hiring efforts, Michael has helped move our city forward and will bring this same expertise to helping the nonprofit sector get paid faster. Our work is far from finished, but I want each and every provider to know that our administration remains committed to not just clearing our backlog, but preventing another one from ever happening.”
“Michael Sedillo has a proven track record of cutting through bureaucracy and driving results that directly benefit New Yorkers, especially those most in need. His leadership in reforming city contracting processes and unlocking critical resources for nonprofits has already made a significant impact,” said Deputy Mayor Almanzar. “With his appointment as executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services, Michael will continue our mission to streamline processes, ensure timely payments, and remove obstacles that prevent our nonprofit sector from operating at its full potential. This is a crucial step in ensuring that the organizations that are on the front lines of addressing our city’s most pressing challenges can continue their vital work without unnecessary delays.”
“I am a proud public servant with a clear North Star: Use the power of government to ensure people — especially those in need — understand they are not alone,” said Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services Executive Director Michael Sedillo. “I want to thank Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayor Almanzar, and all the inspiring leaders at City Hall for placing their trust in me. To my fellow public servants and nonprofit partners: In me, you have an enthusiastic partner who will be here for you, just like you are there for New Yorkers.”
Mayor Adams is working to immediately clear backlogged payments and implement long-term solutions to prevent further delays. In addition to the over $1 billion already disbursed and over 3,700 invoices processed since October 2024, MOCS is addressing unregistered amendments that have delayed payments and is providing additional training, office hours, and best practice guidance to agencies to help prevent future backlogs.
The discretionary contract reform was projected to eliminate a total of nine months of discretionary contracting process time for nonprofits every year, beginning in the out-years for applicable contracts. Instead of requiring nonprofits that receive City Council discretionary spending to register a new contract every year, the new reform allows nonprofits to enter into multi-year contracts without needing to complete the entire procurement process annually. In years past, over 99 percent of these awards were not registered within six months of their start date and took an average of 366 days in FY24. Today’s announcement is a clear indicator that the reforms are making it easier to pay nonprofits and reducing a significant bureaucratic delay nonprofits conveyed early on in the administration.
The Nonprofit FOCUS Working Group represents shared alignment across the highest levels of City Hall to support the vital nonprofit sector and help them get paid on time. This group of government leaders will meet every week to oversee agency actions toward clearing the payment backlog.
Today’s announcement builds on the Adams administration’s continued efforts to support, make significant investments in, and enact policies to support the nonprofit sector in New York City. In March, the Adams administration announced a $741 million investment for an estimated 80,000 human services workers employed by nonprofit organizations with a city contract as part of a new cost-of-living adjustment. The human services workforce — which is overwhelmingly female at 66 percent and 46 percent women of color — remains on the frontlines of the most pressing issues facing the city as they deliver vital services across housing, food access, health services, and asylum seeker services, among other areas. To date, the Adams administration has invested over $1.4 billion towards wage enhancements for the human services sector.
The Adams administration also worked with MOCS on the “Clear the Backlog” initiative, which has unlocked over $6 billion in funds for nonprofits that were long overdue, allowing these organizations to get paid for delivering their vital services. Finally, earlier this year, Mayor Adams announced the city’s first-ever Nonprofit Advisory Council. Comprised of leaders and experts in the nonprofit sector, the advisory council works with MONS to serve as a link between the Adams administration and the nonprofit organizations serving New Yorkers.
About Michael Sedillo
Michael Sedillo brings a proven track record within city government of cutting red tape, unlocking critically-needed resources and funding for nonprofits, and spearheading issues that support job creation for working-class New Yorkers.
Sedillo started his career in New York City government as a change management analyst at MOCS. He joined City Hall in 2019 under then-Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Phil Thompson as his deputy chief of staff before joining the current Adams administration as a senior advisor.
In 2022, he led an initiative to clear a backlog of unregistered contracts that unlocked more than $6 billion in contractual dollars for providers. In 2023, he led a successful Albany legislative campaign to win passage of the historic community hiring program, which leverages the city’s purchasing power to create thousands of jobs for low-income New Yorkers.
Sedillo also led efforts that resulted in a 30 percent reduction in the city’s job vacancies from its 2022 peak. Through “Jobs NYC,” Sedillo oversaw efforts to reduce disproportionately high unemployment rates in each borough. The Jobs NYC team hosted 25 hiring halls across the city, engaging over 8,000 New Yorkers in public- and private-sector job opportunities.
Before joining New York City municipal government, Sedillo started his career in the San Francisco Bay Area as a 2010 Teach For America corps member.
Sedillo earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Communication from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.
Sedillo will report to Deputy Mayor Almanzar.
“I am pleased that Mayor Adams has appointed Michael Sedillo as the executive director of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services to advance new efforts to help pay nonprofit providers faster,” said New York State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, chair, Committee on Social Services. “I look forward to the development and building of a culture centered on customer service, data-driven performance, and clear-cut policy and procedural reforms to support our nonprofits.”
“Nonprofits make our city tick, boasting $12 billion in contracts with New York City. They provide essential services like foster care, supportive housing, crime prevention, immigrant services, senior care, and community outreach,” said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. “Michael Sedillo will bring almost a decade of City Hall experience to the Office of Nonprofit Services, so that all the organizations have user-friendly support. I am especially excited to work with him to expedite payment to nonprofits. We have already launched the Payment Backlog Initiative, which cut processing times almost 90 percent. I am building on this success, introducing the Get Nonprofits Paid Act so that the city pays all nonprofits in 30 days. Together, we will show our respect and gratitude for our nonprofits by giving them the financial support they need.”
“I applaud the appointment of Michael Sedillo as the executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services. His leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that our nonprofits can deliver essential services without delays that compromise their ability to serve New Yorkers,” said New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis.“I also extend my gratitude to Deputy Mayor Ana Almanzar for her critical efforts to streamline payment processes and enhance accountability, and is my goal to work in lockstep with this administration to support our nonprofit organizations and ensure they have the tools and resources needed to succeed. I look forward to continuing our collaboration to uplift and strengthen the invaluable services they provide to our city.”
“On behalf of United Way of New York City and the more than 600 community-based organizations we work with every day, I want to congratulate Michael Sedillo on his appointment to executive director of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services,” said Grace Bonilla, president and CEO, United Way of New York City. “Having had the pleasure of working with Michael, I know that he is a true public servant who understands and smartly tackles the challenges in complex systems. This is the time to ensure the consistent sustainability of the nonprofit sector, as it is the backbone of the city’s most critical services. I look forward to working with him to address the myriad of challenges in the city government and nonprofit relationship.”
“Nonprofits deliver essential services for residents across New York City. It is high time that the city focuses on strengthening nonprofits in the same way it helps other businesses serving New Yorkers,” said J. Phillip Thompson, former deputy mayor for strategic policy initiatives and professor, political science and urban planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “The mayor made an excellent choice in selecting Michael Sedillo to lead the Office of Nonprofit Services. Michael has led a series of important initiatives across two mayoral administrations. He is a ‘can do’ public servant who doesn’t let problems slip through the cracks. I cannot imagine a better person to take on this needed role.”
“Michael Sedillo’s appointment to lead the Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services marks an exciting new chapter for the city and its vital nonprofit partners,” said Marielys Divanne, executive director, Educators for Excellence-New York. “His proven ability to cut through red tape, secure essential funding, and champion job creation for working-class New Yorkers demonstrates the visionary leadership this role requires. We are confident that Michael will build on the progress already achieved, ensuring nonprofits have the resources they need to deliver critical services while fostering stronger partnerships between City Hall and our communities. Congratulations, Michael — we look forward to seeing all you will accomplish in this role!”
“Nonprofit organizations provide pivotal services across our great city. Thank you to Mayor Adams for his strategic vision to address the many challenges organizations face by cutting red tape, initiating discretionary contract reform, and reducing the nonprofit payment backlog,” said Jonnel Doris, chief executive officer, StartCare. “Congratulations to Michael Sedillo on his appointment as executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services. This marks a pivotal moment for New York City’s nonprofit sector. As a devoted and experienced public servant, his vision, dedication, and transformative leadership will be an asset to the mayor’s team in helping nonprofits navigate city services. I’m excited to see him foster a landscape where organizations like StartCare can thrive.”
“Nonprofits are critical to the fabric of New York City, providing vital services and support to communities in need,” said Joy Gardner, executive director, Empire Clean Cities. “Michael Sedillo’s appointment at the Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services comes at a crucial time, offering assurance to organizations like ours that we have a champion who understands the urgency of removing bureaucratic barriers and delivering resources where they are needed most. We are confident that his dedication and expertise will strengthen the partnership between nonprofits and city government, enabling us all to continue serving New Yorkers effectively.”
“The importance of the nonprofit sector to the health and well-being of all who live and work in our city is one of the best kept secrets of New York City governance,” said Ester Fuchs; professor of public affairs and political science and director of urban and social policy program, Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs; special advisor for governance and strategic planning, former Mayor Mike Bloomberg. “Whether it’s social services, after-school programs, job training programs, or building affordable housing, New York City government relies on nonprofit partners to ensure that services are delivered effectively, equitably, and efficiently. By appointing Michael Sedillo as executive director, nonprofits not only have an advocate at City Hall, they have a seasoned and creative professional who will ensure that contract payments will be a priority and their essential services will be valued. Michael brings his creative energy, experience working with communities, and well-developed managerial skills to build this important office. I have no doubt Michael is the right person to lead this important work.”
Manhattan, New York January 3, 2025
Sources: NYC.gov , Midtown Tribune
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