What is your primary role at your company?
I’m a Managing Director in KPMG’s Private Equity Group — which is our firm’s global coverage team for our Private Equity clients, many of whom are also involved in the Hudson River Park Friends Business Council.
What drives you to be involved with Hudson River Park?
I moved to NYC from London in October 2020 — in the depths of Covid — and the Park was a refuge for me. I saw its impact on all my fellow New Yorkers. When I found out that it was privately funded, I wanted to get involved as it seemed like such an important part of the city. Most New Yorkers are living on the edge most of the time (!), so having a place for quiet contemplation, exercise or inspiration felt like an essential public service. The team does such a great job of keeping the Park in a great condition. As I got to know more about the Park, I became really interested in their sustainability initiatives and educational outreach programs — they really do have the full package!!
Have you had the chance to volunteer at Hudson River Park, and if so what was your experience like?
KPMG is in the process of moving its office footprint from Midtown, to Hudson Yards, which means my 9,000 colleagues based out of the New York office will be able to directly benefit from the Park — either on their commute, a lunch break etc. As a firm, we’ve supported the Park for many years, but with our relocation, we’ve increased our involvement and have had huge successes with volunteering events where hundreds of KPMG folks have taken part. In 2023 we even had our US CEO pulling up weeds and cutting back the overgrowth in the mid-summer heat!
What aspect of working with HRPK Friends on the Business Council is the most rewarding for you?
Getting to build connections and reinforce the business community’s support of the Park as a collective is really powerful. You can see the passion and interest in the room — and there’s a great dialogue about how each of us can team together to benefit the Park. The HRPK Friends team have a great program of events and updates to keep the Business Council involved, and are always coming up with innovative ideas to get the most out of the Council.