City Year New York Appoints Annie Kessler as Executive Director

New York, NY – June 5, 2024 – Today, City Year New York (CYNY), an education nonprofit that recruits young adults for a year of service and near-peer mentoring in high-need New York City community schools, appointed Annie Kessler as the new Executive Director. With over a decade of experience advancing educational equity in NYC, Annie is prepared to lead the organization into the future.

Annie Kessler began her career as a City Year New York AmeriCorps Member, serving in a 5th-grade classroom at PS48X in the South Bronx. Her experience inspired her to take on various leadership roles within City Year New York, eventually becoming the Senior Managing Director of Site Strategy, Chief of Staff, and Interim Executive Director. Annie secured over $6 million annually in public sector funding, led compliance and strategic initiatives, and directed teams focused on evaluation, analytics, and capacity building.

“It’s incredible to think that my path from PS48X in the South Bronx has led me to this role as Executive Director,” said Annie Kessler, City Year New York’s Executive Director. “Thank you to City Year New York’s supporters and board for putting their trust in me to continue this vital work. I am beyond excited to expand our impact through building deeper partnerships and increasing our capacity to serve.”

In the short term, Annie aims to invest in career pathways for AmeriCorps Members, ensuring they receive a strong return on investment and access to robust career opportunities. She plans to expand partnerships with SUNY and CUNY, grow the number of AmeriCorps members serving with City Year New York to impact more students and schools, and position City Year New York as a lead supporter of shifts in city-level programming such as the transition to science-based literacy curricula.

“As a former CYNY AmeriCorps Alumna and the Interim Executive Director during a range of transitions at the organization, it’s no question that Annie was the right choice to lead City Year New York into the future,” said City Year Chief Operating Officer John Tupponce. “Annie is dedicated to the learning, development and well-being of not only the students we serve in New York City, but the extraordinary staff and corps members who support them as student success coaches, too.”

Annie envisions expanding City Year’s reach to serve more schools and increase the number of AmeriCorps Members who can participate as both part-time students and corps members. She is committed to recruiting more corps members and increasing resources for housing options to support this growth. To make this possible, Annie aims to increase investments from the private sector and grow CYNY’s board.

Social emotional learning (SEL), literacy, combatting chronic absenteeism, and pandemic learning loss are just a few key education topics Annie is passionate about.  She is also committed to expanding access to the post-graduation job market and gap year opportunities, enhancing the community school model, and contributing to the broader conversation on the benefits of national service.

This leadership transition comes at a crucial time as City Year New York is rising to the challenge of meeting the evolving needs of NYC students and communities. Annie’s extensive experience and passion for education and the organization will be invaluable in guiding City Year New York toward a brighter future.

About City Year New York 

City Year is a trailblazing, youth-powered organization with a dual mission: expanding educational equity for students furthest from opportunity and developing diverse leaders through national service. At City Year New York, student success coaches serve across 17 community schools to create inclusive environments where young people can fulfill their potential and make an impact.

Contact: Stephanie Gentile / sgentile@momentum-cg.com