Matthew Okebiyi, Founder & CEO 

Matthew Okebiyi is the founder and currently serves as the  CEO of the African American Planning Commission, a New York City-based 501(C)(3), not-for-profit organization.

About The Founder

A long time resident of Brooklyn, Matt attended college on a full-time basis while working two jobs. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts, pursued advanced studies and simultaneously earned two Master’s degrees: one in Urban Planning and the other in Political Science. Matt completed his Master’s level training in Mental Health at Hunter College School of Social Work in New York City. He pursued advanced studies earning two doctorates, one in International Relations and the other in African American Studies.

Public Service Background

Prior to founding the African American Planning Commission, Inc., Matt worked for and/or was a consultant to organizations such as Volunteers of America – Greater NY,  Inc, (VOA-GNY), Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York (Catholic Charities), the Bushwick Economic Development Corporation (BEDCo), Oceanhill Brownsville Tenants Association (OHBTA), Urban Strategies, Inc., (USI) and the 163rd Street Improvement Council (the “Council”).  Matt has also served as a Program Officer with the NYC Department for the  Aging (DFTA), where he had oversight responsibilities for twenty-five (25)  DFTA-contracted nonprofit organizations in all five NYC boroughs.

In his capacity as Project Director for one private, nonprofit organizations, Matt sought funding from a variety of sources and developed several multi-year, multi-million dollar programs, including a transitional shelter for homeless women with histories of substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and mental health disorders; a homeless outreach program serving the immediate and on-going needs of street-dwelling, chronically homeless men and women living on the streets, subways and other encampments in all five boroughs of New York City; and a comprehensive job training program for a varied population of homeless individuals and the general public.

During his tenure with the nonprofit, Matt increased their total annual operating budget from $1.2 million to over $30 million within a three-year period. The invaluable experience gained from working for many years in the nonprofit sector encouraged him to pursue his passion for helping the community and helping others – and under Matt’s leadership, perseverance, focus, and determination, the African American Planning Commission, Inc., was born.

Matt says, “Starting and seeking funding to operate a not-for-profit organization has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding endeavors I have ever undertaken. The process has taught me so much about the political process and has afforded me the opportunity to meet a varied cast of human characters.”

In addition to his professional undertakings, Matt mentors and tutors undergraduate and post-graduate students in his spare time and all have received their Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degrees under his guidance. He has also volunteered with various food banks and pantries, as well as Children’s Literacy programs.

Community Development Initiatives

As Founder and CEO of AAPCI, Matt, along with the governing Board of Directors have established an ambitious agenda for the corporation which would involve the development of the following:

• a transitional (Tier II) shelter with on- and off-site supportive services for homeless survivors of  domestic violence and their minor children.
• a mix of affordable rental housing and permanent supportive rental housing for low-income working single adults and families from the community, and supportive housing for special needs homeless populations to include homeless vets, homeless families and single adult New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS, mental health disorders, and those recovering from chronic histories of substance abuse.
• a permanent residence for seniors, 62 years of age or older.
• a residence for Runaway Homeless Youth (RHY) aged 13-21.
• the creation of economic development initiatives aimed at revitalizing and invigorating the communities in which we live and serve.

Serenity House Family Residence was the first of the organization’s ambitious undertaking.

Today, AAPCI has grown exponentially – from a dedicated volunteer staff of one with nothing more than a vision and a zero operating budget, working out of borrowed office space in 1996, to over one hundred full and part-time employees in 2017.

AAPCI is funded, in part, by New York State and New York City government contracts and anonymous donations. Visit our donation page and consider making a tax-deductible donation in any amount you wish.  No amount is too small and all donations are truly appreciated!

All donations to AAPCI, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, are tax-deductible to the extent permissible by U.S. laws. We thank you in advance for your generosity!

Community Service Awards

• In 2002, received the “Spirit of Hope” award  from American Hope for community service.
• In 2002, recipient of The Network Journal‘s (TNJ) “40-Under-Forty” Achievement Award at its fifth annual celebration. The award was presented to Matt for his service to the community and for his dedication to the mission of the African American Planning Commission.
• In 2005, honored  by Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (Eastern Region) at its 55th Eastern Regional Teen Conference for AAPCI’s work with teenage victims of relationship abuse. Matt donated his cash award to AAPCI.
• In 2011, recipient of the “Man of the Year” award presented by Key Women of America, Inc., (Brooklyn Branch). The award pays tribute to worthy individuals for their notable accomplishments and public service. At the same ceremony, Matt was presented with a “Proclamation” by Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz.
• In 2012, recipient of a “U.S. Congressional Record of Honor” presented to by the Honorable Congressman Edolphus “Ed” Towns for his outstanding community service.
• Recipient of the “Man Power Award” presented by Change A Life Ministries at the 2019 Men of Honor celebration. The award pays tribute to great men for their commitment and dedicated service. At the same ceremony, Matt was also presented with the “Senator Jamaal T. Bailey Special Citation of Recognition” by Pastor Peggy Smalls of Change A Life Ministries.