HVGCC Monthly Networking Event November 2024

 

Cynthia B. Knox, CEO
Cynthia B. Knox, Esq., is the CEO of Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill
(CHHOP). CHHOP works to alleviate hunger and homelessness in Peekskill, New York,
and its surrounding areas. As CHHOP’s leader, Knox successfully increased the
organization’s revenue by over 225% percent, increased private revenue by over 17%
and program staffing by 280 percent within five years. She has also developed
additional programs in response to community needs, including a collaborative RISE
Program for domestic violence survivors and a short-term rental and utility arrears
program, Tierra Solida/Solid Ground. She has transformed CHHOP’s food pantry into a
“farm to pantry” model with a rigorous focus on health equity.
Knox's social justice work spans more than three decades, with 20-plus years of
nonprofit executive experience working on behalf of low-income individuals. She has
developed programs and funding for specialized populations, advanced strategic
partnerships, and led performance management processes in her leadership roles.
Knox’s leadership has garnered recognition for her dedication to helping those in need,
including from The Loft who recognized Knox as an LGBTQ+ Trailblazer and from the
City of Peekskill who named her as an LGBTQ+ leader in the community both in 2024.
Additional accolades include the 914 Inc. Women in Business Leaders in 2023, Crain’s
2023 New York Notable LGBTQIA+ Leaders, the 2022 New York State Empire Award,
the 2022 Peekskill NAACP Distinguished Service Award, and the 2022 Feeding
Westchester Neighbor Service Award.
Knox has served on numerous boards, committees, and commissions. Currently, Knox
serves on the Executive Committee of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce and the Westchester County Community Development Advisory Group; is a member of the Policy Advisory Committee for "Welcome Home Westchester!" and is on the New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital Community Advisory Board.
Knox holds a JD from CUNY Law School and a BA in Philosophy from Sarah Lawrence
College.