NYC Jewish poverty council fires CEO

Allegations of financial malfeasance at center of investigation of William Rapfogel

Former Met Council CEO William Rapfogel, right, shown with Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz (photo credit: JTA)
Former Met Council CEO William Rapfogel, right, shown with Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz (photo credit: JTA)

William Rapfogel, the longtime head of the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty in New York City, was fired for alleged financial malfeasance that is being investigated by the state.

On Monday, Rapfogel was terminated as CEO and president of the Met Council — posts he has held since 1992 — The New York Times reported. According to the social services agency, the financial irregularities were discovered in an investigation initiated by its board of directors.

New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is probing the malfeasance.

“The board of directors of Met Council recently became aware of specific information regarding financial irregularities and apparent misconduct in connection with the organization’s insurance policies,” the Met Council was quoted as saying by The New York Times. “The board retained outside counsel to conduct a full investigation. Based on that investigation, which is ongoing, the board has terminated Mr. Rapfogel, effective immediately, and notified the proper authority.

To date, the investigation has not revealed evidence that any current employees of Met Council engaged in any wrongdoing.”

Prior to his role at the Met Council, Rapfogel worked as an assistant New York City comptroller and as an aide to mayor Edward Koch.

Rapfogel hosts an annual breakfast that draws many influential political figures, including the candidates for mayor in this year’s race.

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