Public Works Partners promotes leaders Magali to principal and Martinez Newman to director

 

 

Manhattan, NY Public Works Partners, an NYC-based urban planning and management consultancy, has promoted Moe Magali to principal and Benjamin Martinez Newman to director. These promotions reflect the firm’s continued growth and commitment to investing in leaders who help communities, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations navigate complex challenges and deliver meaningful impact.

As demand for strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, implementation support, and organizational transformation continues to grow, Public Works is expanding its leadership team to support clients across New York and nationwide.

As principal, Magali will assume expanded leadership responsibilities across firm strategy, business development, strategic partnerships, and organizational growth. Since joining Public Works Partners in 2014, Magali has played a pivotal role in the firm’s evolution, helping transform it from a growing consultancy into a nationally recognized planning and management consulting practice serving government agencies, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, and civic institutions.

As director on the client services team, Martinez Newman will help lead complex client engagements and cross-sector initiatives focused on community development, economic mobility, nonprofit management, and public-sector transformation.

Over the past decade, Magali has led transformative initiatives spanning economic development, workforce systems, housing, public infrastructure, and organizational strategy. In addition to leading the firm’s business development and strategy efforts, he has expanded Public Works’ client base, built lasting partnerships with public agencies, nonprofits, and philanthropic organizations, and helped secure major projects, including the Hudson Comprehensive Plan, the Acacia Network Strategic Plan, administration of the NYCHA PACT Resource Team, and numerous planning, implementation, and organizational development engagements throughout New York and beyond.

“Moe has been instrumental in shaping who Public Works is today,” said Celeste Frye, CEO and principal of Public Works Partners. “His leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to our clients and communities have helped drive our growth, expand our reach, and position the firm for continued success. He has an exceptional ability to connect big-picture strategy with practical implementation, making him an invaluable partner to both our clients and our team.”

In his new role, Magali will continue to lead firmwide growth initiatives, strengthen client relationships, advance strategic partnerships, and help guide the firm’s long-term vision.

“When I joined Public Works more than a decade ago, I never imagined the opportunities I would have to work alongside communities, nonprofits, public agencies, and colleagues who are committed to making a difference,” said Magali. “What has always drawn me to this work is the ability to help organizations tackle complex challenges and create meaningful impact. As Principal, I’m excited to help guide the firm’s continued growth, strengthen our partnerships, and expand the ways we support communities and organizations across the country. We often say we’re in the business of community impact, and I’m proud to help lead a firm that turns ambitious ideas into meaningful action. The future is incredibly bright for Public Works, and I’m honored to be part of what comes next.”

A native New Yorker, Magali earned his BA in Government from St. John’s University and his MPA from New York University. He is a graduate of Coro Leadership New York and the Urban Land Institute Health Leaders Network and currently serves on the boards of the Newtown Creek Alliance and Seaweed City.

Since joining Public Works Partners, Martinez has become a trusted advisor to clients and colleagues alike, successfully leading projects such as the multi-year Bronx is Breathing initiative with Volvo, a strategic plan for Acacia Network, the expansion of Empire State Development’s Film & Television Diverse Supplier Directory, and support for clean energy businesses in collaboration with The Center by Lendistry.

Martinez’s leadership extends beyond project delivery. He has played an important role in staff mentorship, operational improvements, and firmwide initiatives that strengthen its ability to serve clients and communities effectively.

“Benjamin embodies the collaborative, thoughtful, and solutions-oriented leadership that defines Public Works Partners,” said Allison Quigney, principal of Organizational Health at Public Works Partners. “He consistently brings together diverse stakeholders, navigates complex challenges, and delivers results that advance both client goals and community outcomes. His promotion reflects not only the impact he has already made, but the leadership he will continue to provide as our firm grows.”

As director, Martinez will continue to lead multidisciplinary teams, support staff development, and help clients translate vision into action.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue growing with Public Works Partners and for the trust my colleagues and mentors have placed in me,” said Martinez. “At the firm, I have the privilege of working with inspiring clients and tackling some of their most important challenges. I’m excited to continue supporting projects that strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunity. Public Works’ commitment to collaboration, innovation, and community-centered problem solving is what drew me here, and as Director I’m proud to help carry that mission forward.”

Martinez earned a BA in International Affairs and Governance from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, and an MA in International Affairs from Columbia University.