Julie Stein Named Executive Director of Union Square Partnership
Union Square Partnership (USP), the community-based non-profit organization for the Union Square-14th Street neighborhood, announces the appointment of Julie Stein to Executive Director. Stein will officially step into her leadership role on July 17, 2023, overseeing the organization’s work to enhance quality of life and create a cleaner, safer and more enjoyable environment for Union Square residents, businesses and visitors, while prioritizing the future growth of the district through strategic planning, fundraising and advocacy programs.
Stein will join Union Square Partnership having most recently served as Executive Director of the “New” New York Panel, following a career with New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). In May 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams formed the ambitious 59-member panel of civic leaders and industry experts tasked to develop a roadmap for the equitable recovery of New York, reimagining New York City’s business districts and enhancing the region’s economy in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Stein’s leadership over the panel culminated in the Making New York Work for Everyone action plan, announced in December 2022, which includes 40 initiatives to reimagine how and where people work across the city, effecting changes from public space and transportation to housing and childcare.
“On behalf of our entire Board of Directors and staff, we are excited and proud to share the news of Julie Stein’s appointment as Executive Director of Union Square Partnership,” said Lynne P. Brown and William Abramson, Co-Chairs, Union Square Partnership Board of Directors. “As the very first BID incorporated in New York City, Union Square Partnership has always led the way. Today, building on decades of success, we look toward a bright future under Julie’s leadership. Her experience leading complex initiatives at the city and state level, working with a wide array of stakeholders and partners, and delivering results make her the perfect choice for the Partnership as it charts a bold, new vision for Union Square going forward.”
"I am honored to join Union Square Partnership as its new Executive Director," said Julie Stein. "Union Square represents the heartbeat of our city—where New Yorkers come together to live, work, shop, learn and play. I am excited to work with the entire USP team to deliver the core services that the neighborhood relies on every day. I look forward to collaborating with local stakeholders, businesses and residents to build on the solid fundamentals that make Union Square a vibrant mixed-use district and an enduring symbol of innovation. Together, we will implement the USQNext Vision Plan, leveraging the core strengths of this remarkable area and further supporting the neighborhood’s interconnected ecosystem of dynamic public realm and streetscape, transportation accessibility, retail and dining, and community inclusion."
Stein’s skilled organizational leadership, paired with deep expertise in economic development, urban planning and asset management, positions her as the ideal leader for Union Square Partnership as the organization builds support for the implementation of the USQNext Vision Plan. Unveiled in 2021, the bold new vision advocates for the transformation of the greater Union Square-14th Street area into New York City’s most accessible space. Following a period of robust community engagement and district improvement work by USP, the organization will work with civic leaders and constituents to build the necessary support and funding to bring multi-modal accessibility, increased district greening and substantially expanded public open space to the neighborhood.
Prior to Stein’s appointment with the “New” New York Panel, she served as Senior Vice President in the Asset Management Division and co-head of the Portfolio Management Department for New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). Stein led a department managing over 220 properties and over 65 million square feet of real estate. Before that, Stein served as NYCEDC’s Executive Director of Sunset Park, where she oversaw leasing, campus planning, and placemaking for NYCEDC's industrial assets in Sunset Park, including the Brooklyn Army Terminal and the Made in New York Campus at Bush Terminal. Stein has also worked on the City's public wholesale and retail food markets, leading NYCEDC’s strategic planning related to industry growth opportunities, facility modernization, infrastructure investment and resiliency.
The news of Stein’s appointment has garnered extensive support from not only the Union Square community, including USP board members and key business leaders in the district, but also BID leaders and officials across New York City.
“The Union Square Partnership has been a driving force in our community, and in New York City for decades, and I am confident that Julie Stein will build on that tradition,” said Jen Hensley, Senior Vice President of Con Edison Corporate Affairs and Union Square Partnership Board Member. “Julie’s leadership in government, her vision and dedication to our city, and her passion for her team and our community make her the perfect fit to grow the impact of the Union Square Partnership and lead our next chapter. Con Edison is thrilled to welcome Julie in her new role.”
“We are excited to welcome Julie to the Union Square Partnership,” said Tokumbo Shobowale, Executive Vice President for Business and Operations, The New School and Union Square Partnership Board Member. “Julie’s exceptional leadership skills and deep experience helping to build the economic vitality of New York City will be enormous assets for USP as it builds upon its commitment to create an open, accessible, and welcoming space for all residents and visitors. The New School has partnered with USP since its founding, and we look forward to working alongside Julie to continue the work to build and strengthen this neighborhood community.“
"Congratulations to Julie Stein and the Union Square Partnership. Julie is an enormously talented and committed public servant and this is great news for New York City,” said Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce. “I look forward to collaborating with Julie and the entire USP team to keep the greater Union Square area as one of the city's most dynamic, clean, safe and enjoyable public spaces."
“Julie Stein is an exceptional leader who brings a wealth of experience building consensus around bold ideas and an execution plan to get there–which is exactly what we need to lead one of the City’s most important commercial districts. I look forward to working with the Union Square Partnership and its new leader to improve and enhance the public realm in the district,” said Ya-Ting Liu, Chief Public Realm Officer, NYC Office of the Mayor.
“Julie Stein’s knowledge and experience in New York City’s economic and civic infrastructure run deep, and she is an outstanding choice to lead the Union Square Partnership,” said Kevin D. Kim, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “Combined with her most recent accomplishments leading the ‘New’ New York Panel, she is very well-suited to guide this iconic neighborhood toward an even brighter future, and we look forward to working with her.”
"I can think of no one better to lead the Union Square Partnership at this critical moment in our city than Julie Stein," said New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball. "Her love for this city and dedication to making it a better place for all New Yorkers is a testament to her character and is exactly what she will bring to this role. Throughout her years of service at NYCEDC, including most recently serving as Executive Director of the 'New' New York Panel, Julie's leadership, unwavering dedication, and selfless service exemplify the true spirit of a public servant. I know Julie will have a lasting impact at Union Square, as she has had at NYCEDC and the city writ large."
“I had the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with Julie developing the ‘New’ New York Panel action plan for the recovery of New York City's business districts. It was thanks to her remarkable work engaging top-tier decision makers, leading an interdisciplinary team and executing on an ambitious project plan that we achieved success,” said Dan Doctoroff, Founder, Sidewalk Labs. “I look forward to Julie's continued impact on New York City in her exciting new role as she leads Union Square towards a vibrant future.”
“I was thrilled to hear that Julie Stein has been selected to be Union Square Partnership’s new Executive Director. I have worked with Julie for many years and could not think of a better fit,” said Marcel Van Ooyen, CEO & President, GrowNYC. “GrowNYC’s Union Square Greenmarket is a key member of the Union Square family and I look forward to working with the Partnership in joint efforts to better serve the Union Square community and beyond.”
“At this moment in history, as our city and the world changes, Union Square remains one of our city's most important and influential neighborhoods,” said Andrew Rasiej, Co-Founder and President of Civic Hall @ Union Square. “We are fortunate to have a dynamic and visionary leader in Julie Stein to lead Union Square and the city into the future.”
"Having witnessed Julie’s work for many years, and working closely with her on critical recovery issues for New York City’s future, I know firsthand her knowledge of our neighborhoods, love for our city and her understanding of the complex issues facing commercial and residential neighborhoods,” said Fred Cerullo, President and CEO, Grand Central Partnership. “Her personal style–which always leads to consensus-built results–is a great compliment to her well-established skills, and will serve as a great foundation for her leadership of Union Square Partnership. As someone whose experience in city government is drawn upon daily to serve Midtown East, I know Julie will be able to hit the ground running at USP with the experiences she has had in public service. The BID world too will be lucky to call her a colleague and I look forward to working with her on the many issues facing our BID communities."
"I am thrilled to welcome Julie to the BID world,” said Jessica Lappin, President, Alliance for Downtown New York. “She has strong relationships with a wide variety of high level stakeholders, both inside and outside of government, which will enable her to build on the great day-to-day work of the Union Square Partnership, while simultaneously advancing complex projects and new initiatives. Her work experience, skill set, personality and passion for our city make her an excellent fit."
“With over 12 years of experience in economic development, Julie is the perfect person to shepherd in the next phase of growth for Union Square," said Regina Myer, President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. "Her knowledge of New York City will help elevate the already bustling Union Square to a new, greater level of vibrancy. I look forward to seeing her continue the neighborhood’s legacy as a hub for all New Yorkers.”
Stein’s appointment follows a robust executive search process, conducted by a USP board search committee of 12 members and supported by DRG Talent, in which over 250 candidates were considered for the leadership title. Stein will step into the role as Union Square Partnership’s Executive Director on July 17, 2023, working hand-in-hand with USP’s board of directors, elected officials and key neighborhood stakeholders.
Julie Stein began her career at City Hall, working for Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda Gibbs. She holds a Master's in city planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor's in public policy from Brown University. She is a graduate of the Coro Leadership New York program.
Following 8 months managing USP through the transition period, Acting Executive Director Ed Janoff will remain on as Deputy Director and Chief Strategy Officer. “We are grateful for Ed’s expertise and leadership guiding the organization through the executive transition” said Co-Chair William Abramson. “He provided a steady hand at the helm, ensuring the success of our programs and moving our agenda forward so we didn’t miss a beat.”