East Harlem’s Union Settlement Names Jennifer Geiling As Its New Chief Executive Officer

The Board of Directors of Union Settlement is the oldest and largest social service provider in East Harlem.

Today named Jennifer Geiling as its new Chief Executive Officer effective April 4, 2022. Ms. Geiling will succeed David Nocenti, who has led Union Settlement for the past 13 years.

Ms. Geiling has focused her career on empowering underrepresented communities and supporting nonprofit organizations that serve New York City’s most vulnerable residents.

In her current role as Deputy Director at the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services, Jennifer partners with the City’s nonprofit community and minority and women-owned business enterprises to develop systemic changes that cultivate diversity and inclusion and fuel growth and sustainability.

Jennifer also served as the founding Executive Director of the Mayor’s Nonprofit Resiliency Committee and has guided the City’s nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jennifer began her career as a corporate lawyer and entered social services twenty years ago as the Founder and Executive Director of Hankering For More, a nonprofit organization established to create greater equity and access for adults with developmental disabilities.

Ms. Geiling has led philanthropy to fund social entrepreneurs and emerging nonprofits, served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Public Service at New York University Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and is a member of the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance Working Group.

 Ms. Geiling holds a Master of Public Administration from New York University Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, a Juris Doctor from George Washington University School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy from the University of California at Berkeley.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Jennifer to Union Settlement. Jennifer comes to us with a rich mix of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors, and is recognized for her leadership, operational acumen, and passion for service. Jennifer is uniquely positioned to lead the next phase in Union Settlement’s long and rich history empowering East Harlem,” said Amy Sherman, Chair, Union Settlement Board of Directors. “Union Settlement is deeply indebted to David Nocenti, who has worked with tireless dedication to elevating the position and capabilities of Union Settlement. Dave’s legacy is a more secure, resilient, and adaptive organization, which is now, more than ever, serving the needs of the East Harlem community. We are grateful for his 13 years of leadership.”

“Thank you to Amy and the Board of Directors for their confidence and trust in me. I am grateful for David’s partnership through the years and his extraordinary and steady leadership,” said Jennifer Geiling, incoming Chief Executive Officer of Union Settlement. “Union Settlement has been a bedrock of East Harlem for more than 125 years, ever-evolving to serve its historically significant and culturally diverse community and to respond to the challenges of the time. I am honored and humbled to lead Union Settlement through this significant moment in history and to join the exceptional team in supporting residents and businesses to realize their dreams and soar to new heights.”

“Jennifer is an experienced and proven leader, well-positioned to grow Union Settlement’s impact and further its critical mission,” said Richard Buery, Chief Executive Officer of Robin Hood. “Robin Hood has been proud to fund Union Settlement under David’s effective tenure and we look forward to future opportunities to support poverty-fighting efforts with Jennifer and Union Settlement.”

“As a born and raised East Harlemite, my family and I have a long, rich history with Union Settlement. I am pleased with the appointment of Jennifer Geiling as the next Chief Executive Officer,” said Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez, Commissioner of the NYC Department for the Aging. “Jennifer’s comprehensive knowledge about city contracting and her commitment to older New Yorkers will greatly advance Union Settlement’s mission and the communities they serve. I wish Jennifer the best of luck with this important role and commend David for his leadership and partnership over the past 13 years.”

“I have had the pleasure of working with Jennifer during her entire tenure at the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services, and she has been a wonderful partner not just for Union Settlement, but for nonprofits throughout New York City,” said David Nocenti, Executive Director of Union Settlement. “Her combination of nonprofit, government and philanthropic experience, together with her clear commitment to supporting and developing the communities she serves makes her a superb choice to lead Union Settlement. I am sure that the East Harlem children and families we serve will greatly benefit from having Jennifer at the helm of this amazing organization.”

Union Settlement

Union Settlement is an on-the-ground resource for East Harlem residents of all ages, and a passionate advocate for the needs of underserved communities.

Established in 1895, Union Settlement provides a broad array of education, wellness and community-building programs to over 10,000 East Harlem residents each year, including early childhood education, afterschool and summer youth programs, college preparation, job readiness, English language classes, behavioral health counseling, small business assistance, senior centers, Meals on Wheels and more.

For more information about Union Settlement, visit www.unionsettlement.org.