David Rockefeller Fellows
The Fellows program prepares senior executives for more active leadership in civic and public affairs. Since 1989, nearly 600 business leaders have participated in this immersive one-year program where they learn how decisions are made, services delivered, and power is exercised in the nation’s largest and most powerful city.
Program Objectives
Business leaders have a unique opportunity to better understand New York City and take a more active role in shaping the city’s future.
- Enhance business and civic leadership skills
- Facilitate access to the knowledge and networks necessary to forge effective public-private partnerships
- Establish relationships between leaders in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors
- Develop an alumni network that will support the Partnership’s policy and program objectives
“The David Rockefeller Fellows gave me a front-row seat to understanding New York City’s most pressing issues and provided a unique opportunity to partner with other business leaders in supporting and shaping the City’s future.”
Kate Pilcher Ciafone, Chief Operating Officer, Moelis & Company
Class of 2023
Program Year
During the 12-month program, Fellows meet with leaders in the public and private sectors through a series of meetings, site visits, and tours that are held two to three times per month.
Public Sector Leaders
In a typical year, the Fellows meet key government officials and heads of important nonprofit institutions to learn about their work and the challenges they face. Participants gain a new appreciation for the complexity and challenges of managing public agencies. They hear about issues from many perspectives—legislators, labor leaders, journalists, civic activists, and academics.
Private Sector Leaders
Fellows also meet in intimate settings with global business leaders, who share their insights on industry trends, management practices, and the value of civic engagement.
Site Visits
During the year, Fellows gain a first-hand view of the city’s nerve centers, including the Command Centers of the New York City Police Department, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and Con Edison.
“My experience as a David Rockefeller Fellow opened my eyes to the dedication required by our government and civic leaders to run our amazing city. I now have a better understanding of how critical the linkages among the public sector, the private sector, and all New Yorkers are for the city to continue to thrive.”
Yolanda Stancil, Region President Wireline Network Operations-New York Metro, Verizon Communications, Inc.
Class of 2023
Current Fellows Class (2024)
Ravi Agarwal
Partner
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Nadeen Ayala
Chief Culture & Communications Officer
ABM Industries Inc.
Kara Barnett
Managing Director, Head of Foundation
General Atlantic LLC
Kristen Bitterly
Head of Investments, Citi Global Wealth
Citi
Japhet Boutin
Senior Vice President, Head of ZNA Technical Claims
Zurich Insurance Group Ltd
Anne Brennan
Chief Risk Officer
Neuberger Berman
Gabrielle Brussel
Chief Government & Community Relations Officer
JCDecaux North America
Aaron Choo
Vice President Gas Field Operations
National Grid
Sarah Davidoff
Partner
Ropes & Gray LLP
Christina DeLay
Head of Small Business Banking & Corporate Social Responsibility
Santander US
Sarah DeWitt
Head of Investor Relations, Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis
Marsh McLennan
Priscilla Fasoro
Partner
Covington & Burling LLP
Marisa Gadlin
Senior Vice President, Asset Management, Core Holdings
Rockefeller Group International, Inc.
Jason R. Goldman
Principal Attorney
The Law Offices of Jason Goldman
Abbe Goldstein
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Claire James
Partner
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Xiao Linda Liu
Partner
McKinsey & Company, Inc.
Jennifer Lopez
Vice President of Product Management, Venture Partner
Capital One
Lisa Luk
Chief of Staff to CEO
Equitable
Jennifer Manchester
Chief Human Resources Officer
Fiserv
Candice Meth
Partner
Eisner Advisory Group LLC
Amy Miller
Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel & Secretary
New York Life Insurance Company
Gregory Nehro
General Counsel, Americas
BNY Mellon
Andrew Rosen
Chief Operating Officer of Hudson Yards and Executive Vice President
The Related Companies, L.P.
Melissa Rothchild
Chief Marketing Officer, Group Benefits
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
Yesenia Scheker
New York Office Managing Partner
KPMG LLP
Michael Schnitt
Executive Vice President
Vornado Realty Trust
David Sokoler
Portfolio Manager
Standard Investments
Alysia Steinmann
Metro New York Office Managing Partner
EY
Bianca Stoica
Director
Silver Lake
Fara Tabatabai
Partner
Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP
Anthony Thompson
Senior Vice President, Healthcare Network Strategy
Capital District Physicians' Health Plan
Conor Tochilin
Senior Managing Director
Centerbridge Partners
Craig Waldman
Partner
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Angela Wasunna
Chief Counsel, Corporate Affairs and Privacy
Pfizer Inc.
Jessie Zhu
Head of Investments and Wealth Solutions
HSBC Bank USA