Peter Lewis Gabak
Executive Director
Originally a CNY native, Gabak relocated to the Capital District in 2019. He is pleased to join the 518ElevatED team as the organization’s next executive director; Gabak will begin his duties at the end of April. Gabak brings over 30 years in philanthropic and external relationship management to 518ElevatED; he has robust experience with senior leadership roles in multiple nonprofits in Upstate New York.
Prior to coming to 518ElevatED, Gabak worked at Union College and the Museum of Innovation and Science. In his spare time, Gabak is adjunct faculty at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) where he teaches art history with a focus on Flemish Renaissance and Baroque art – a position he’s held since 2008.
Gabak was also part of the inaugural planning team that launched IlluminoCity in 2021 – a seasonal lighting experience in downtown Schenectady. He currently volunteers his time on the board of Gallery 5 Schenectady – a new nonprofit that provides the Capital District with pop-up art exhibits that feature local artists. Gabak lives in Schenectady with his family.