- November 24, 2008 - The Board of Directors of Union Settlement Association, one of the largest social service providers in East Harlem, today announced that David Nocenti will become the agency's Executive Director on January 5, 2009, following the retirement of Ellen Simon, DSW, the current Executive Director.

Mr. Nocenti has served as a top advisor to three Governors, most recently as Counsel to Governor David Paterson and former Governor Eliot Spitzer from January 2007 through June 2008, as well as Assistant Counsel and First Assistant Counsel to former Governor Mario Cuomo from 1990 to 1994. Mr. Nocenti has also served as Counsel to the New York Attorney General from 1999 to 2006, as Counsel to the Queens Borough President from 1995 to 1998, and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn from 1986 to 1990. Mr. Nocenti received his law degree from Columbia University Law School and his undergraduate degree from Princeton University.

Governor David A. Paterson praised the selection: "Union Settlement Association has made a great choice in selecting David Nocenti to be its next Executive Director. He is a superb leader, brings new and innovative approaches to addressing problems, and is dedicated to improving the lives of those in need. Union Settlement has an unparalleled 113-year history of enhancing opportunities for the residents of East Harlem, and this selection ensures that this great tradition will continue."

Maxine L. Rockoff, PhD, Chair of Union Settlement’s Board, said, "We greatly appreciate the years of service Ellen Simon has devoted to the agency and we will miss her caring and insightful management as well as her energy, enthusiasm and humor. With her decision to retire, we needed to find the best possible successor and we are confident we have found that in Mr. Nocenti."

"In a time of challenge and opportunity for community-based social service organizations like Union Settlement," Dr. Rockoff added, "Mr. Nocenti brings a wealth of experience in state and local government that will provide a solid foundation for his service in East Harlem. His strong commitment to public service, his compassion for the thousands of people Union Settlement serves, and his thoughtful management style will all be wonderful assets for Union Settlement and the participants in our programs."

Mr. Nocenti expressed enthusiasm about the agency and its prospects. "I have dedicated my professional life to public service, and this opportunity gives me the ability to be a direct actor at a critical time in the delivery of much-needed social services to a community that more than returns the investment that others make in it. Union Settlement has a rich history, serves an important New York City neighborhood, and has a staff and Board of Directors comprised of people with great talent and goodwill. I look forward to working with all of them, with the public and private funding sources that have sustained the agency and will sustain it, and with the children and families of East Harlem."

Since 1895, Union Settlement Association has been dedicated to working with the predominantly immigrant community of East Harlem. A community mainstay, Union Settlement seeks to foster leadership and self-sufficiency by helping local residents build better lives for themselves and their families. As one of East Harlem's largest social service agencies, Union Settlement responds to issues that affect the entire community, serving more than 13,000 low-income residents annually through effective programs in education, childcare, nutrition, senior services, counseling, the arts, job training, and economic development. Union Settlement is a large local employer with programs operating in 18 different sites, and thereby also serves as an important contributor to the economic vitality of East Harlem.

Union Settlement Association

Union Settlement Association

Since 1895, Union Settlement Association has been dedicated to working with the predominantly immigrant community of East Harlem. A community mainstay, Union Settlement seeks to foster leadership and self-sufficiency by helping local residents build better lives for themselves and their families. As one of East Harlem’s largest social service agencies, Union Settlement responds to issues that affect the entire community, serving more than 13,000 low-income residents annually through effective programs in education, childcare, nutrition, senior services, counseling, the arts, job training, and economic development. Union Settlement is a large local employer with programs operating in 18 different sites, and thereby also serves as an important contributor to the economic vitality of East Harlem.

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