• Jennifer Ashley, Ph.D. Chairman

    Jennifer Ashley, Ph.D.

    Chairman

    Jennifer Ashley, Ph.D., is a Managing Director and the Chief People Officer at iCapital Network. Prior to joining the firm, Jennifer was the Global Human Resources Leader for CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm. In her almost 15-year career there, Jennifer held various leadership positions in Human Resources, Marketing, and Sales & Strategy. Before joining CBRE, she spent four years in the aviation industry and was instrumental in Boeing’s acquisition of a mission-critical software development firm, which she then helped manage and grow. Jennifer started her career as a change management consultant at Anderson Consulting, and went on to help found the Chief Executive Leadership Institute (now affiliated with Yale University). She holds a BS from the University of Michigan, an MA in Psychology from Hunter College, and a PhD in Psychology from Emory University.

  • Scott Cutler Vice-Chairman

    Scott Cutler

    Vice-Chairman

    Scott Cutler is a seasoned executive with extensive global business experience and a belief in the transforming power of technology. He oversees eBay’s Americas business unit, which includes Canada, United States, and Latin America. His responsibilities include marketing, merchandising, operations, business selling, consumer selling, shipping, payments and risk, and trust.

    Scott has a B.S. degree in Economics from Brigham Young University and a J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of Law.

  • Michael Nissan, Esq. Vice-Chairman

    Michael Nissan, Esq.

    Vice-Chairman

    Michael Nissan, Esq., is a senior partner at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, one of the world’s leading law firms. He has a wide-ranging practice in private equity focusing primarily on executive compensation and related matters, including representation of private equity firms and their portfolio companies. He also represents investment professionals in connection with their joining or separating from private investment firms. Mr. Nissan is also a Lecturer-in-Law at Columbia Law School where he has taught Private Investment Funds for over 15 years. He also serves as pro bono counsel to Baby Buggy Inc. and as a member of its Board of Directors. Mr. Nissan is a graduate of Syracuse University and the New York University School of Law. He joined the MHA-NYC board in 2007.

  • Robert Chang Secretary

    Robert Chang

    Secretary

    Robert Chang is a seasoned executive focused on individuals and communities within a rapidly advancing technological landscape. He is the CEO and Founder of Sidetime, a SaaS platform enabling access to mentorship and expertise for all, the Head of Growth and Innovation at Inverted AI, and a co-founder of HepBNow. He has previously held leadership roles at the intersection of innovation, access, and social impact at venture-backed firms, Fortune 50 companies, and leading nonprofit institutions. He is currently also a board director at the Chinatown Health Clinic Foundation, a partner at Bitspiration (a CEE deeptech VC fund), and leads Blue Titan Ventures (an early-stage VC investor benefiting public education). He also is an award-winning independent producer of narrative and documentary feature films that have premiered at Sundance and SXSW. Robert is a graduate of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), and has a B.A. from the University of Chicago, and an M.B.A. from the Yale School of Management.

  • Lynn D. Sherman Treasurer

    Lynn D. Sherman

    Treasurer

    Lynn D. Sherman is Chief Financial Officer at the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center (CBWCHC) where she is responsible for financial operations, human resources, facilities, construction projects, management information systems, and administrative staff. With more than 20 years of healthcare management experience, Ms. Sherman has focused on advancing health care quality, health information technology, and access to care. She is a graduate of Cornell University’s Graduate School of Management, Sloan Program in Health Care Administration and SUNY Binghamton. Ms. Sherman joined the MHA-NYC board in 2014.

  • Grant Brenner, MD, DFAPA Director

    Grant Brenner, MD, DFAPA

    Director

    Grant Hilary Brenner, MD, DFAPA is a board-certified Psychiatrist, Psychoanalyst and Consultant, a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine. He is on faculty at the Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, former Director of the Trauma Service at the William Alanson White Institute and Co-Chair of Vibrant’s Crisis and Emotional Care Team Advisory Board, Co-Chair of the Disasters, Trauma and Global Health Committee of the Group for Advancement of Psychiatry, past CEO and Co-Founder of Neighborhood Psychiatry & Wellness, and current Chief Medical Officer of The Collective – Integrated Behavioral Health. He completed 2 years of General Surgery training at Northshore-LIJ, general adult Psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai in New York City, and Psychoanalytic and Organizational Psychodynamic training at the William Alanson White Institute. In his private practice, Dr. Brenner is known for enabling his clients to overcome stubborn obstacles, unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit, and maintaining resilience. Dr. Brenner brings nearly two decades of consultation, workshops, speaking engagements, therapy, and coaching to his clients, who range from individuals seeking to overcome emotional obstacles to executives seeking to function better in the workplace. He emphasizes a humanistic and integrative perspective, incorporating evidence-based approaches as well as innovative techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and neurofeedback.

    Dr. Brenner is co-author of Making Your Crazy Work for You: From Trauma and Isolation to Self-Acceptance and Love, Irrelationship: How We Use Dysfunctional Relationships to Hide from Intimacy and Relationship Sanity: The Art of Creating Healthy Relationships. He is an author in and Chief Editor of the book Creating Spiritual and Psychological Resilience: Integrating Care in Disaster Relief Work, and has published a number of book chapters and papers. He is an experienced consultant, lecturer and teacher on subjects including resilience and self-care, psychiatry and psychopharmacology, psychotherapy theory and practice, trauma and neurobiology, organizational dynamics and disaster mental health. Dr. Brenner has appeared regularly in national media spots addressing a variety of subjects. He is sole author of the popular Psychology Today blog entitled ExperiMentations.

  • Lawrence Calcano Director

    Lawrence Calcano

    Director

    Lawrence Calcano is Chief Executive Officer of iCapital Network. He began advising and working with iCapital shortly after its 2013 founding to lead key strategic and business development initiatives. Lawrence was a partner at Goldman, Sachs & Co., where he spent 17 years, most recently serving as the co-head of the Global Technology Banking Group of the Investment Banking Division. He serves on the Boards of the Mental Health Association of New York City and Capitol Acquisition V, a Special Purpose Acquisition Company. Lawrence was named to the Forbes Midas List of the most influential people in venture capital in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Lawrence received a BA from the College of the Holy Cross and graduated from the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College as a Tuck Scholar.

  • Seth Feuerstein, M.D., J.D. Director

    Seth Feuerstein, M.D., J.D.

    Director

    Seth is an entrepreneur and executive who is primarily focused on the use of technology to reshape healthcare.   Most recently he founded and served as CEO of a health software firm in the “digital therapeutics” field that was successfully acquired by a national health insurer [Magellan Health] where he serves as the Chief Innovation Officer and Chief Medical Officer of Medical and Digital Innovation.  This software is used on more than 20 million benefit lives in the US as well as in the UK National Health Service.  He is active in improving healthcare quality, patient experience and outcome measurement and in the digital health field broadly [as well as outside of health] and focused on a variety of projects including “software as prescription therapy”, re-thinking the healthcare ecosystem to improve care and efficiency, and leveraging technology for better integration of care.  He serves on the boards of several corporations [for-profit and non-profit] and he continues to work clinically as a criminal forensic psychiatrist and supervise trainees on the faculty of the Yale University School of Medicine.

  • Charles P. Fitzgerald Director

    Charles P. Fitzgerald

    Director

    Charles P. Fitzgerald is the Founder and Senior Managing Partner of V3 Capital Management, L.P., a New York City-based asset management firm investing in publicly-traded real estate and real estate related securities. Before founding V3 in 2011, Mr. Fitzgerald was Managing Partner, Co-Portfolio Manager, and Director of Research for High Rise Capital Management, L.P. Before High Rise, he served in various roles at JP Morgan Fleming Asset Management, Prudential Real Estate Securities Investors, Prudential Real Estate Investors and Gabelli Asset Management. Mr. Fitzgerald holds a BA in Economics and Finance from Northern State University and is a CFA charterholder.

  • Monica Fraczek, CPA Director

    Monica Fraczek, CPA

    Director

    Monica Fraczek, CPA is an audit partner at Loeb & Troper LLP, an audit and consulting firm specializing in not-for-profit, health care and special needs agencies.  With over twenty years at Loeb & Troper, Ms. Fraczek works with some of the largest and most complicated agencies in the Greater New York area.  In addition to her client portfolio, she is a member of the firm’s Business Review Committee, Business Development Committee and plays a leading role in its CPE/Mentoring/Staff Development efforts.  Ms. Fraczek is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Brooklyn College. Ms. Fraczek joined the MHA-NYC board in 2015.

  • Sander Koyfman, M.D. Director

    Sander Koyfman, M.D.

    Director

    Dr. Sander Koyfman is a board certified psychiatrist and a Medical Director for Behavioral Health at WellCare of New York. Prior to this, he has served as the Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Emblem Health; Medical Director of Adult Inpatient Psychiatry at Kings County Hospital and Director of Consultation and Liaison Service and Treatment Resistant Depression Program at New York Methodist Hospital. He graduated from New York University and SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn and completed his psychiatric training at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He has served on the Board of Disaster Psychiatry Outreach, a New York based non-profit, since 2001 and as the Board President for the past five years. He lives in Brooklyn with his family and has been a proud New Yorker since 1991.

  • Jerome Levine, Esq. Director

    Jerome Levine, Esq.

    Director

    Jerome L. Levine concentrates his practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and income and estate taxation. Mr. Levine represents closely held businesses; real estate, entertainment, and media clients; private investors and entrepreneurs; and executives of publicly held companies. His experience encompasses wills and trusts, estate and gift tax audits, valuation of closely held businesses, domicile disputes, and prenuptial agreements. Mr. Levine is a member of the board of a number of private foundations.

    Mr. Levine has lectured extensively on the subject of estate planning and the administration of trusts and estates for programs of the American Bar Association, Estate Planning Council of New York City, New York State Society of CPAs and others.

    Mr. Levine was co-chair of the firm from 2000-2004. Prior to becoming co-chair of the firm, Mr. Levine was the managing partner of the New York office and national chair of the Trusts and Estates practice group.

  • Linda Lindman, Esq. Director

    Linda Lindman, Esq.

    Director
  • Steven L. Marcus, CPA Director

    Steven L. Marcus, CPA

    Director

    Steven L. Marcus, CPA, has been the Managing Partner & CEO of Gettry Marcus CPA, P.C. since 1987. He has been instrumental in the firm’s diversification and growth, expanding Gettry Marcus’ presence in the New York-Metro Area and Top 200 firm status nationally through the establishment of highly credentialed practice groups which include Real Estate, Healthcare and Business Valuation & Litigation Support Services. Mr. Marcus is a graduate of Syracuse University and currently serves on the board of TGS Global, a network of international accounting firms. He  joined the MHA-MYC board in 2015.

  • Meyer Mintz, CPA, J.D., LL.M Director

    Meyer Mintz, CPA, J.D., LL.M

    Director

    Meyer Mintz, CPA, JD, LL.M., is a tax partner at Berdon LLP, and has been with the firm for more than 15 years. He has particular expertise in the tax aspects of partnership agreements, limited liability companies, and other business organizations and has also worked with attorneys in litigation matters. Mr. Mintz is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Bar Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Touro College, a Juris Doctor degree from Brooklyn Law School, and a Master of Laws in taxation at New York University School of Law. Mr. Mintz joined the MHA-NYC board in 2011.

  • Robert S. Nash, Esq. Director

    Robert S. Nash, Esq.

    Director

    Robert S. Nash, Esq., is a partner at the New York law firm Schulte Roth & Zabel where he focuses his practice on commercial leasing (on behalf of both landlords and tenants); real estate development, sales and acquisitions; real estate brokerage; and property management. Mr. Nash has extensive experience negotiating commercial leases on behalf of private investment funds and other companies. A member of the New York State Bar Association, he is a graduate of Bucknell University and St. John’s University School of Law. Mr. Nash joined the MHA-NYC board in 2007.

  • Tuhina De O’Connor Director

    Tuhina De O’Connor

    Director

    Tuhina De O’Connor is the Director of Donor Services at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. A 16-year veteran in the non-profit sector, she most recently worked at the Robin Hood Foundation, a large public charity in New York City whose mission is to fight poverty in the five boroughs. Prior to that, Ms. O’Connor was the CEO of a non-profit organization, the New York Asian Women’s Center, a direct service provider of domestic violence services and shelter for Asian women and children. She has been a member of the MHA-NYC board since 2012.

  • Joseph F. Peyronnin, III Director

    Joseph F. Peyronnin, III

    Director

    Joseph F. Peyronnin, III, is a veteran broadcast news executive and Emmy Award-winning journalist and has held leadership positions at several prominent news organizations. He was the President of Fox News, Vice President and Assistant to the President at CBS News and founded Telemundo Network News in 1999. Mr. Peyronnin is an associate journalism professor at Hofstra University as well as an adjunct professor at New York University. He has an MBA from the Walter Heller School of Business at Roosevelt University and Columbia College Chicago. Mr. Peyronnin has been an MHA-NYC board member since 1996.

  • Corbett A. Price Director

    Corbett A. Price

    Director

    Corbett A. Price serves as Chairman and CEO of Quantix Health Capital, LLC, a healthcare financial advisory firm. Mr. Price also serves as CEO of Kurron Capital, LLC, a healthcare private equity firm, and is the Founder and Chairman of Kurron & Company, Inc., a management-consulting firm that manages healthcare companies in the U.S. and abroad. Prior to the formation of Kurron, Mr. Price served in a senior capacity at HCA healthcare company, most recently as Vice President and head of their Mid-Atlantic division. 

He is a graduate of Ohio State University and joined the MHA-NYC board in 2009.

  • John D. Robinson Director

    John D. Robinson

    Director

    John D. Robinson worked in the Fixed Income Division at Morgan Stanley for 30 years and has been a board member of MHA-NYC since 2004. Mr. Robinson graduated from the University of Richmond in 1983. He joined the MHA-NYC board in 2004.

  • Bruce J. Schwartz, M.D. Director

    Bruce J. Schwartz, M.D.

    Director

    Bruce J. Schwartz, M.D., is currently the Deputy Chairman, Clinical Director and a Professor of Clinical Psychiatry in of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Schwartz’s responsibilities include oversight of all teaching, clinical, departmental practice and research activities in the Department at the Weiler, Moses, Wakefield and Behavioral Health Clinics at Westchester Square and Turnbull Divisions as well as the Division of Substance Abuse. He is a graduate of SUNY Downstate School of Medicine and has been a member of the MHA-NYC board since 1995.

  • Florida E. Starks, Ed.M., Ph.D. Director

    Florida E. Starks, Ed.M., Ph.D.

    Director

    Florida E. Starks, Ed.M., Ph.D. is a human resources leader with more than 20 years of combined experience in leadership, team development, and diversity and inclusion. She is currently the SVP and Chief Diversity Officer at Pearson. Florida is responsible for developing and integrating Pearson’s strategy for increasing diverse representation and building an inclusive culture. She is also responsible for ensuring processes, products, and supply chain reflect DE&I ambitions. Before joining Pearson, Florida was a human resources leader at highly recognized companies, including Conagra Brands, Verizon Communications, and Best Buy.

    Florida is currently a member of the Arizona State University Difference Engine Board of Advisors. She holds a degree in Human Resources Management from Lindenwood University, a master’s degree in Adult Education Management from Strayer University, a PhD in Higher Education Leadership from Capella University, and is a certified diversity and inclusion professional (CDP).

    Florida is a proud mom of two adult sons and resides in New Jersey.

  • Bruce J. Schwartz Co-Chair

    Bruce J. Schwartz

    Co-Chair
  • Sander Koyfman Co-Chair

    Sander Koyfman

    Co-Chair
  • Mary Badaracco Committee Member

    Mary Badaracco

    Committee Member
  • Jeffrey Borenstein Committee Member

    Jeffrey Borenstein

    Committee Member
  • Grant Brenner, M.D Committee Member

    Grant Brenner, M.D

    Committee Member
  • Carmen Collado Committee Member

    Carmen Collado

    Committee Member
  • Ernesto Ferran Committee Member

    Ernesto Ferran

    Committee Member
  • Rosa Gil Committee Member

    Rosa Gil

    Committee Member
  • Mary Hanrahan Committee Member

    Mary Hanrahan

    Committee Member
  • John Kastan Committee Member

    John Kastan

    Committee Member
  • Harold Koplewicz Committee Member

    Harold Koplewicz

    Committee Member
  • Sander Koyfman, M.D. Committee Member

    Sander Koyfman, M.D.

    Committee Member
  • Jed Levine Committee Member

    Jed Levine

    Committee Member
  • Virna Little Committee Member

    Virna Little

    Committee Member
  • David Lowenthal Committee Member

    David Lowenthal

    Committee Member
  • Scot McAfee Committee Member

    Scot McAfee

    Committee Member
  • Grant Mitchell Committee Member

    Grant Mitchell

    Committee Member
  • Karen Nelson Committee Member

    Karen Nelson

    Committee Member
  • Kristen Dams-O'Connor Committee Member

    Kristen Dams-O'Connor

    Committee Member
  • Jorge Petit Committee Member

    Jorge Petit

    Committee Member
  • Maryann Popiel Committee Member

    Maryann Popiel

    Committee Member
  • Martha Sullivan Committee Member

    Martha Sullivan

    Committee Member
  • Boris Vilgorin Committee Member

    Boris Vilgorin

    Committee Member
  • Joyce Wale Committee Member

    Joyce Wale

    Committee Member
  • Robert P. Borsody, Esq. Member

    Robert P. Borsody, Esq.

    Member
  • Robert Devine Member

    Robert Devine

    Member
  • Hon. George L. Jurow Member

    Hon. George L. Jurow

    Member
  • Irving Ladimer, S.J.D. Member

    Irving Ladimer, S.J.D.

    Member
  • Harriet Parness, R.N. Member

    Harriet Parness, R.N.

    Member
  • Tova Friedler Usdan, PhD Member

    Tova Friedler Usdan, PhD

    Member

     

  • Cynthia Zirinsky Member

    Cynthia Zirinsky

    Member
  • Alison Lewis Interim President & CEO

    Alison Lewis

    Interim President & CEO

    Visionary Leader and Strategic Growth Catalyst

    Alison Lewis is a dynamic leader who propels companies toward rapid growth through strategic initiatives. Her success is rooted in her ability to foster cross-collaboration, streamline organizational processes, and drive continuous improvement. As a trusted advisor to national and global CEOs, Alison champions People & Organizational Performance Practices that elevate businesses to new heights:

    • Strategic Alignment: Alison defines roles, processes, and structures that seamlessly align with a company’s vision and strategy.
    • Agile Transformation: She pioneers agile methodologies, enabling teams to work seamlessly across the entire organization.
    • Performance Excellence: Alison develops and implements OKRs/KPIs, ensuring maximum organizational impact.

    Key Achievements:

    • Financial Turnaround: Successfully steered companies through financial challenges, achieving sustainable profitability.
    • Innovation Catalyst: Leveraged cutting-edge technology to drive business development and enhance customer experiences.
    • Talent Magnet: Built high-performing teams by attracting top talent and fostering professional growth.

    Alison’s career trajectory reflects her commitment to excellence. From her tenure at Time Warner and HBO to her impactful work with CBRE and Newmark, she has consistently delivered results. Her passion for diversity and inclusion is evident through her service on Newmark’s Women’s Steering Committee and the Environmental, Social, and Governance Committee.

    Alison’s commitment to community service shines through her leadership as an Executive Director on Baltusrol Golf Club’s Board and a former Board Director at Vibrant Emotional Health. Today, Vibrant Emotional Health leads the nation’s lifeline, 988. Outside the boardroom, Alison enjoys mentoring emerging leaders, advocating for sustainable practices, and exploring the intersection of art and technology. Her leadership inspires innovation, fosters collaboration, and leaves a lasting legacy in every organization she touches.

    Alison Lewis embodies the spirit of transformational leadership—a beacon for companies seeking growth and positive impact.

     

  • Tia Dole Chief 988 Lifeline Officer

    Tia Dole

    Chief 988 Lifeline Officer

    Tia Dole, Ph.D., is the Chief 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Officer at Vibrant Emotional Health. Dr. Dole is a licensed clinical psychologist and a long-time advocate for the rights of those with intersectional identity. Prior to stepping into the role of Chief 988 Officer, Dr. Dole was the Executive Director of The Steve Fund, the nation’s only organization focused on the mental health and emotional well-being for young people of color. Additionally, Dr. Dole was the Chief Clinical Operations Officer at The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth. Dr. Dole oversaw all of The Trevor Project’s crisis services programs as well as their volunteer community and increased their impact by a factor of four.

    After completing her bachelor’s degree at Carleton College, Dr. Dole received her Master’s degree in Developmental Psychopathology from Columbia University (Teacher’s College), and she received a Fulbright Fellowship to study Forensic Psychology in Switzerland. She then completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at Fordham University. Dr. Dole is a published author and sits on several committees. One of her passions is normalizing mental health conditions within communities of color, LGBTQ communities, and helping people get access to services. She is based in New York/New Jersey.

  • Lisa Furst, LMSW, MPH Chief Program Officer

    Lisa Furst, LMSW, MPH

    Chief Program Officer

    Lisa Furst, LMSW, MPH, has more than 20 years of experience in the mental health service sector. In her current role, Ms. Furst provides direction and support to Vibrant’s Community Services programs, the H2H Contact Center and the Center for Learning and Development, and Disaster Services. Her expertise includes program development and implementation, training and technical assistance, quality improvement, fundraising, and advocacy. She is an author of and contributor to several books on mental health, with particular expertise on older adult mental health. She has also published articles in Behavioral Health News, Geriatric Medicine, the Journal of Care Management, and other publications, as well as interviewed by national news outlets, such as The New York Times and CNN. Ms. Furst holds a master of social work degree from the Hunter College School of Social Work and a master of public health degree from the CUNY School of Public Health & Health Policy.

  • Lisa Jones Chandler, LCSW Chief Compliance
    and Quality Officer
    & Head of Equity

    Lisa Jones Chandler, LCSW

    Chief Compliance
    and Quality Officer
    & Head of Equity

    As Chief of Corporate Excellence, Lisa Jones Chandler, affectionately known as LJC,  spearheads the development and integration of cross-functional strategies in quality improvement, corporate compliance, and equity and inclusion, ensuring alignment with the highest ethical standards and regulatory expectations for Vibrant, inclusive of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

    In addition to her work at Vibrant, LJC most recently served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Crisis Organization Directors (NASCOD) and Heavens Hands Community Services NY.

    A daughter of immigrants and a lifelong Brooklynite, LJC is a proud social work alumna of Howard University School of Social Work where she focused on mental health and impacted communities. She attended The Pennsylvania State University for her undergraduate degree in psychology and also obtained a certification in nonprofit executive leadership from New York University.

    LJC continues to maintain a private practice in New York City.

  • Grant Riewe Chief Technology Officer

    Grant Riewe

    Chief Technology Officer

    Grant Riewe joined Vibrant in 2022 as Chief Technology Officer, overseeing all technology programs, products, and services. He is a strategy-driven technologist with deep experience developing and executing big-bang innovation strategies for organizations of all sizes – from Fortune 100 to startups and the public sector. Riewe’s focus is on the ethical and human-centric application of technology and effective customer experiences.

    Riewe also serves as an Executive Fellow and Adjunct Faculty with the University of St. Thomas, Opus College of Business, where he develops and teaches courses for the Business in a Digital World initiative. He also serves as an advisor for a variety of technology-centric startups.

    Formerly, Grant Riewe was a consultant with both McKinsey & Co and Accenture, LLP. He has an MBA from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management, and a BA from St. Olaf College.

  • Lesleigh "LIU" Irish-Underwood Chief External Affairs Officer & Head of Brand

    Lesleigh "LIU" Irish-Underwood

    Chief External Affairs Officer & Head of Brand

    As the inaugural Chief External Affairs Officer (CXO) & Head of Brand for Vibrant Emotional Health, Lesleigh “LIU” Irish-Underwood leads the advancement of the nonprofit’s external-facing strategy and a best-in-class business unit that encompasses integrated marketing & communications, stakeholder engagement, national and state policy, fundraising & business development, strategic partnerships, and social impact.

    Irish-Underwood has built her career on serving historically-marginalized and underrepresented communities. Before joining Vibrant, she was the first Chief Brand & External Relations Officer of MetroPlusHealth, as well as the first Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at United Way of New York City. Irish-Underwood started her career at the prestigious Random House publishing imprint Alfred A. Knopf, and then went on to several other world-class publishing brands, including Kensington, Pearson, Golden Books, and Dorling Kindersley.

    Known for being a catalyst for creativity and collaboration, Irish-Underwood was named both a Crain’s New York Business’ Notable Leaders in Advertising, Marketing and PR, as well as a Notable Black Leader and Executive. She is a member of CHIEF, was selected to join the esteemed Black Executive CMO Alliance (BECA), as well as the Wall Street Journal CMO Network, and Salesforce CMO Club. She is an alumna of the American Express Leadership Academy, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she sat on the National Strategic Planning Committee, and currently serves on the Brooklyn Community Foundation and Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation Boards.

    LIU earned her B.A. from Stony Brook University, and resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband (another Stony Brook University Seawolf), their daughter and son.