Brooklyn Org Leadership Recognized on City & State’s 2026 Brooklyn Power 100

Published in: City & State New York

Who’s the kingpin of Kings County? That used to be an easier question, as the last two New York City mayors were powerful, proud Brooklynites. Today, is it Rep. Hakeem Jeffries or U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, who both have navigated the chaotic second term of President Donald Trump – but might secure majorities in Congress this fall? Or state Attorney General Letitia James, who’s won several battles versus Trump? Or perhaps another politician on the rise, like Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso?

This year, there is a new No. 1 on the Brooklyn Power 100, and it’s not the only big change on the list. Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams is still making some noise, but he didn’t make the list. Meanwhile, allies of the new mayor – like Gustavo Gordillo and Grace Mausser – have been added. The list, researched and written in partnership with journalist Aaron Short, also accounts for other major developments across the borough, such as Maimonides Health’s merger with NYC Health + Hospitals, an approved plan for the Brooklyn Marine Terminal and a street safety design for McGuinness Boulevard that’s moving ahead.

Check out all of this – and more – on the 2026 Brooklyn Power 100.

Dr. Jocelynne Rainey

President and CEO, Brooklyn Org

As Brooklyn’s nonprofits face increased financial pressures, Jocelynne Rainey has sought to fill in the gap. During Rainey’s tenure, the borough’s premier charity has collected $130 million in contributions and launched a microgrant program distributing up to $10,000 to organizations with annual budgets below $100,000. The work is unceasing. Brooklyn Org’s annual survey found 94% of organizations reported more demand for services in 2025 compared to the previous year, even as 60% lost federal funding. Rainey’s expertise landed her on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Social Services Transition Committee.

Rachel Timoner

Senior Rabbi, Congregation Beth Elohim

When many rabbis came out against Zohran Mamdani’s New York City mayoral campaign, Rachel Timoner kept an open door while cautioning him about his rhetoric. Timoner, who joined Congregation Beth Elohim in 2015, has used her bimah to promote a message of peace after the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel while defending self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians alike. After hosting a meeting between Mamdani and her congregants in October, she was invited to join his transition committee a month later. She’s also a co-founder and board member of the liberal New York Jewish Agenda.