Danielle Ellman

Danielle Ellman, is the President and CEO of Commonpoint. Prior to her appointment, she was the Executive Director of the Central Queens YM & YWHA from 2009 to 2017, and during her tenure, she executed the merger of the Samuel Field YM&YWHA and the Central Queens YM&YWHA.

Danielle brings passion and dedication to advancing the agency’s mission of furthering Jewish continuity through a wide variety of educational, social, cultural, recreational, and supportive services—including meaningful onsite adolescent and youth programming, adult and senior services, mental health services, and services for individuals with disabilities. 

As CEO, Danielle leads and manages all aspects of the agency, serving over 85,000 people annually across 80+ sites throughout New York City and surrounding areas, with an operating budget of over $70M and 1,200+ employees. Danielle’s commitment to innovative programming has proven to be a huge asset in strengthening the services provided to the Jewish and general community, such as implementing a workforce development initiative serving over 5,000 youth and adults, with a specific emphasis on assisting individuals and families facing poverty. The program provides job training and placement, legal counseling, food pantry access, and classes for English-language learners.

Mayor Adams invited Danielle to join New York City’s First Jewish Advisory Council in 2023. Danielle was recognized as a “Woman of Distinction” by New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky in 2023. Danielle was named one of the top female professionals in Queens at the Power Women of New York Awards in October 2019. 

Danielle has long been involved in social service concerns and spent more than a decade at the Henry Street Settlement, managing and implementing programs, fundraising, grants acquisition, and budget management. 

Danielle earned a Master of Arts in Public Policy Administration and an advanced certificate in Non-Profit Management from Johns Hopkins University. In addition, she holds a Master’s in Jewish Communal Service from Baltimore Hebrew University.