University Settlement announced today that it has elected Ken C. Joseph, Esq. and Aviva Will to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. University Settlement is the pioneering NYC social justice agency that has provided critical services to New York communities for over 130 years.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Ken and Aviva to our board, and grateful that they will add significant experience and deep expertise in business, education, law, and government to help University Settlement fulfill its service mission,” said Melissa E. Aase, Executive Director of University Settlement.
“Ken and Aviva will join our 20-member board that is committed to overseeing the agency’s strategic plans and programs focused on helping our neighbors overcome systemic obstacles to success,” said Benjamin Schall, Co-Chair of the University Settlement Board of Directors. “Each will bring true breadth of thought and experience to our board, and I’m pleased to note that their appointments represent further meaningful progress toward our strategic commitment to diversifying our governance.”
“University Settlement is making a real difference for families who are navigating systemic obstacles to success,” said Aviva Will, Co-Chief Operating Officer at Burford Capital. “I’m looking forward to helping shape strategy for such a pioneering and effective agency.”
“My experience during my formative years is very similar to many of those who now benefit from the innovative programs and services provided by University Settlement,” said Ken C. Joseph, managing director and Global Leader of Duff & Phelps’ Disputes Consulting practice. “Joining the Board is an honor, and I am privileged to lend my perspective to help shape programs that are designed to have a positive impact, provide our diverse constituents with access to opportunities, and enhance their ability to succeed.”
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About Ken C. Joseph
Ken C. Joseph, Esq. is a managing director and Global Leader of Duff & Phelps’ Disputes practice. He is also a Fellow in the Duff & Phelps Institute, providing thought leadership on a variety of financial services and regulatory matters, as well as Head of the firm’s Cryptocurrency Task Force. Ken focuses on serving clients who need informed and proven strategies to successfully navigate a broad spectrum of threats arising from investigations, compliance examinations, litigation, and crisis scenarios. Prior to joining Duff & Phelps, he served with distinction for a total of over 21 years at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including service as one of the inaugural supervisors in the Division of Enforcement’s specialized asset management unit, and most recently as a senior officer in the Commission’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations.
Ken holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law, a B.S., MBA, and post-graduate degrees in Marketing Management and International Finance from St. John’s University, New York. He also completed executive education programs at Georgetown University Law Center (through the SEC), and through Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He is admitted to practice law in the U.S. District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, as well as in the States of New York and Connecticut.
About Aviva Will
Aviva Will is Co-Chief Operating Officer of Burford Capital, overseeing the firm’s global origination, marketing and underwriting functions. She has over a decade of experience investing in and managing the world’s largest portfolio of commercial litigation and arbitration risk. In her role at Burford, Aviva has overseen the continuing innovation of its offerings to law firms and companies.
At Burford, Aviva developed and launched The Equity Project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to help close the gender gap in law by providing an economic incentive for change through a $50 million pool of capital earmarked for financing commercial litigation matters led by women. Prior to joining Burford in 2010, Aviva was a senior litigator and Assistant General Counsel at Time Warner Inc. and before that, practiced law at Cravath, Swaine & Moore.
Aviva earned a J.D. cum laude from Fordham University School of Law, where she was an Editor of the Law Review and a member of the Order of the Coif. She earned a B.A. from Columbia University. She was a law clerk to the Honorable Stewart G. Pollock on the New Jersey Supreme Court.
About University Settlement
University Settlement has pioneered highly effective and measurable programs that have brought radical and tangible change to the people of New York for over 130 years. Generations of New Yorkers have joined with us to advocate for social justice and participate in our programs, deepening our bonds as we partner with communities, families, and individuals in Manhattan and Brooklyn to alleviate poverty and fight for equality.
Our comprehensive network of programs includes early childhood education, mental health services, eviction prevention and benefits assistance, adult education, healthy aging programs, community and recreation centers, performing and visual arts, and youth development programs.