Rick Wertheim
Director of Housing

Rick Wertheim has spent more than two decades of his professional career in the housing industry. Thirteen of those years have been devoted to special needs and affordable housing on Long Island.

Wertheim is the Director of Housing for United Way of Long Island and member of the organizations management team. He was the driving force behind mandating Energy Star and the N.Y. Energy Star Labeled Homes program as a grant requirement for federal and state projects administered through United Way of Long Island.

Wertheim previously served as Construction Director for Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk as well as Rehabilitation Consultant for the Town of Islip’s Community Development Agency. He owned and operated a design/build firm that specialized in complex projects utilizing “Smart Home” technology, innovative mechanical systems, and durable sustainable materials.

Working as a Project Manager and Construction Administrator for one of Long Island’s top 10 architectural firms and designing engineered roof, floor and wall systems for a major wood truss manufacturer, has given Wertheim the experience needed to manage construction projects successfully.

Committed to continuing education and professional development, Wertheim has completed BPI (Building Performance Institute) courses in Building Analyst, Shell Specialist, and Heating Specialist. He is a certified HERS (Home Energy Rating Specialist) Rater and has completed the NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) Green Remodeling Program. He serves the non-profit community as a Section 8 HCV Housing Quality Standards Specialist and is certified by the Home Builders Institute to provide Long Island’s youth with PACT training (Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training Curriculum) to get a job in the construction industry.

Wertheim has lived on Long Island for 29 years and is a graduate of the N.Y. Institute of Technology. He has a B.A in Architectural Technology and Construction Management. He and his wife, Debee, live in Setauket and are enjoying their two sons and two daughters all under the age of 7.