University Settlement has hired Steven Portericker as its new Chief Program and Equity Officer, the first settlement house in the nation announced today.
In this role, Portericker will partner closely with University Settlement’s board, executives, and program leadership to assess the agency’s programmatic strengths, identify opportunities to partner more deeply and more broadly in the communities where programs operate, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to strategically identify resources and advance priorities. He will also continue aligning and systematizing University Settlement’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging work, deepening the agency’s commitment to this key strategic priority.
Portericker has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 22 years, with 15 of those years at the senior leadership level. His distinguished career has included roles as the Chief Operating Officer at Riverdale Neighborhood House, Associate Deputy Executive Director at Goddard Riverside, and Director of Youth Services at the Union Settlement Association. At every step, he has demonstrated a commitment to empowering the stakeholders his organizations serve, including youth, older adults, young children, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Portericker has received recognition for his commitment and innovative approaches to the human services sector. In 2009, he was recognized by the Partnership for Afterschool Education as one of “the best and brightest of New York City’s youth development professionals.” A recipient of the United Neighborhood Houses Emily Menlo Marks Leadership Development Award for outstanding leadership and dedication to social justice, program improvement and public policy issues, he was also recognized in 2014 at Stony Brook University’s inaugural 40 Under 40 Award ceremony honoring innovative and entrepreneurial alumni.
Born and raised by a single mother in East Harlem, and the oldest of five children, Portericker is personally invested in building and supporting teams that empower people of all backgrounds to be the best version of themselves and bring their whole selves to work. The first in his family to earn a post-secondary degree, he holds a Masters’ in Human Services Leadership & Management from St. Joseph College in Brooklyn.
“Steven’s background demonstrates his dedication to bettering staff experiences and building strong communities,” said Melissa Aase, CEO, University Settlement. “His significant and relevant experience and his sincere commitment to the people we partner with make him a wonderful addition to our team.”
“Throughout my career, I’ve been honored to partner with program teams, community members, and board leadership to build on organizational strengths, enhance team cultures, and improve collaboration in service of a shared vision,” said Portericker. “As a champion of settlement houses and service to people, I am particularly excited about the opportunity to build systems that will enhance University Settlement’s program reach, quality, and impact while also reinforcing the agency’s commitment to being a great place to work for people who have had all kinds of life experiences.”