Her appointment, starting July 1, begins a new chapter of leadership for the institute
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sheryl Huggins Salomon, mcsilver.comms@nyu.edu
NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 — The NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research announces the appointment of Rosemonde Pierre-Louis, Esq. as the Executive Director effective July 1. The Institute embarks on a new era of transformational leadership to advance its mission to disrupt poverty.
Ms. Pierre-Louis, who currently serves as McSilver’s Chief Operating Officer, is a highly-recognized public sector leader, known for driving social and economic change. From 2014-2016, she served as the Senior Adviser to the NYC Commission on Gender Equity (CGE) and prior to that served as Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence. In 2006, Ms. Pierre-Louis became Manhattan Deputy Borough President, the first Haitian-American in New York City’s history to serve as a Deputy Borough President. She served in this capacity until 2013.
Prior to entering government Ms. Pierre-Louis practiced law for 17 years and served in leadership positions within legal services organizations representing survivors of intimate partner violence. From 1998 to 2005, she was an adjunct professor at Fordham University School of Law.
“Rose brings to her new role not only the expertise gained from being part of the team that successfully led McSilver and help guide its agenda, but also the experience of a long and successful career in public service during which she helped shaped important national and local policies related to poverty, mental health, domestic violence and gender equity,” said Dr. Lynne Brown, Senior Vice President for University Relations and Public Affairs at New York University. “She is well-positioned to lead McSilver into its next decade of service and impact.”
“Congratulations to Rosemonde Pierre-Louis on her appointment to become the new executive director of the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research at NYU,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “Rose has been instrumental in aiding underserved and vulnerable communities access our community helping them connect to viable resources and services. Today, we celebrate Rose’s accomplishments and look forward to her continued contributions to empower, advocate, and support individuals and families throughout New York City.”
In addition, the following dynamic executive leadership team has been appointed:
Andrew F. Cleek, PsyD will become Deputy Executive Director. He is currently the Institute’s Chief Program Officer, responsible for overseeing a broad portfolio of technical assistance, offering training and support to all behavioral health agencies in New York State. He directs initiatives involving trauma-informed care, evidence-based practices, early childhood mental health and the implementation of healthcare reform. Prior to his role at McSilver, Dr. Cleek served as the founding Director of the Urban Institute for Behavioral Health. He also holds positions as an Adjunct Lecturer at the NYU Silver School of Social Work and as a Research Assistant Professor at the NYU School of Medicine.
Ammu D. Kowolik, LMSW, MPA will become Chief Operating Officer. She is currently Chief of Staff and is responsible for the oversight of operations of the institute, including grants and fiscal administration. As a member of the executive leadership team, Ammu plays a key role in shaping strategic initiatives for the institute. Ammu is passionate about social and racial justice, and is dedicated to issues around women’s rights and maternal health. Prior to joining the McSilver Institute, Ammu worked with the National Association of Social Workers in the NYC Chapter where she led efforts around fundraising, membership development, programming, and political action.
Frederica C. Stines, MA will become Chief of Staff. She is currently Deputy Chief of Staff, working closely with the executive team to carry out the Institute’s overall operations, finances and grants management. Prior to joining the McSilver Institute, she served as the Assistant Executive Director at Black Women’s Blueprint, where she provided oversight for programs and special events aimed at ending sexual violence against Black women and girls.
“I’m truly excited for the opportunity to lead the McSilver Institute in its next phase of growth as a disruptive force against poverty and inequality—one that will translate our research, training and policy work into lasting impact in new and innovative ways,” said Rose Pierre-Louis. “This is a natural extension of my life’s work serving the most vulnerable within our communities and advocating for systemic change. And I’ll be partnering with a stellar group of talented leaders who have long dedicated themselves to the institute’s success: Dr. Andrew Cleek, Ammu Kowolik and Frederica Stines. Our future couldn’t be brighter.”
Ms. Pierre-Louis, will succeed Dr. Michael A. Lindsey, who has been appointed to the role of Dean of the NYU Silver School of Social Work.
“I am thrilled to pass the torch to Rose and the executive leadership team. Having worked with this team for the last 5+ years, I know they are poised to lead the McSilver Institute to higher heights of impact!” said Dr. Lindsey. “Rose, Andy, Ammu and Frederica are highly-talented leaders and have been instrumental to the institute’s growth. So, I am proud of this leadership transition and what it means for the McSilver Institute in its continued mission of disrupting the root causes and consequences of poverty.”
“Rose has excelled in her ability to shape and implement policy and programs on behalf of our most vulnerable communities throughout her tenure at the McSilver Institute and in her many years of service in government and public interest law,” said Dr. Constance McCatherin Silver, Founder of NYU McSilver. “I look forward to where she will lead the Institute, backed by a leadership team of professionals–Andy, Ammu and Frederica –who have been instrumental in the institute’s success over the years.”
“Rose has been a fearless leader in NYC government and transferred and translated those skills to the NYU McSilver Institute,’ said Dr. Christina Greer, Associate Professor of Political Science at Fordham University and FAQ NYC podcast host. “In her new role as Executive Director, I am so excited to see how she will build on the Institute’s solid foundation to launch new programs and policy initiatives. Rose possesses a wealth of knowledge about NYC and beyond and the McSilver is in great hands as it enters this new chapter. I am a proud 2018 McSilver Fellow-in-Residence and the news of Rose’s appointment makes me even more proud and eager to see the new waters she will navigate.”
“The news of Rose’s appointment as the Executive Director of the McSilver Institute will be received with great enthusiasm throughout the city,” said Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA) and Vice Chair of the National Action Network board. “Rose’s career-long commitment to ensuring that individuals, families and communities challenged by structural and institutional barriers have access to impactful programming and services is evident in all she has done and continues to do. We at FPWA have been honored to partner with her, and look forward to continuing to work with her.”
About the NYU McSilver Institute
The NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research is committed to creating new knowledge about the root causes of poverty, developing evidence-based interventions to address its consequences, and rapidly translating research findings into action through policy and best practices. Learn more at mcsilver.nyu.edu and sign up for updates.
