On May 15, 2013, more than 450 leaders from the legal, financial, and nonprofit sectors are expected to gather at Gotham Hall in Manhattan for Lawyers Alliance’s Business Law & Leadership Gala. The annual event celebrates the partnership between lawyers and nonprofits and their power to transform New York City communities.
This year’s distinguished honorees are:
- Neil Radey, Managing Director and General Counsel, Americas, Credit Suisse
Mr. Radey is a Managing Director of Credit Suisse in the General Counsel division and is General Counsel for the Americas and Asset Management division and co-General Counsel for the Investment Banking division. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at Cornell Law School. Mr. Radey has been a member of Lawyers Alliance’s Board of Directors since 2009 and was elected Treasurer in June 2012. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Credit Suisse attorneys volunteered at Lawyers Alliance neighborhood legal clinics for nonprofit organizations affected by the storm. Credit Suisse hosted the past two Cornerstone Awards, Lawyers Alliance’s annual celebration of individuals and institutions that have made extraordinary contributions through pro bono legal services.
- Kenneth Adams, President/CEO/Commissioner, Empire State Development Corporation
In 2011, Mr. Adams was confirmed by the New York State Legislature as President and CEO of Empire State Development and Commissioner of the New York State Department of Economic Development. He works to promote economic practices that attract businesses and create jobs and works to implement Regional Economic Development Councils across the State. Mr. Adams was previously President and CEO of The Business Council of New York State and before that, President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and Director of the MetroTech Business Improvement District in downtown Brooklyn. He was also the founding Executive Director of the nonprofit New York Cares, New York City’s leading volunteer organization.
- Joi Gordon, Chief Executive Officer, Dress for Success Worldwide
Ms. Gordon joined Dress for Success as the Executive Director of the New York program in 1999 and in 2002 took over leadership of Dress for Success Worldwide, a Lawyers Alliance client since 1996. Dress for Success is a leader in promoting the economic and social development of disadvantaged women. The nonprofit has served over 700,000 women since it was established 16 years ago. Under her leadership, the organization has increased its focus to include employment retention in addition to suiting. Ms. Gordon is a member of the Board of Directors of America’s Charities and is a member of the Greater Queens Chapter of the Links, Inc., a nonprofit volunteer service organization, as well as the Women’s Forum of New York.
Joanna Chung, Bureau Chief, Law at The Wall Street Journal, will serve as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. The event will provide an overview of Lawyers Alliance’s scope of services for New York nonprofits improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods. Lawyers Alliance Board Chair John D. Lobrano states, “This year’s honorees share a strong commitment to strengthening communities through business and economic development.”
For event details, visit www.lawyersalliance.org/gala.php