Jen Hensley of Con Edison Named President and Co-Chair of Board of Directors
Union Square Partnership (USP), the community-based nonprofit organization for the Union Square-14th Street neighborhood, today announced the election of Jen Hensley, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Con Edison, to Co-Chairperson of Union Square Partnership’s Board of Directors. Hensley’s duties, which will officially begin in late September, focus on providing guidance and insight into the organization’s work to support district businesses and enhance the quality of life in Union Square for residents, employees and visitors.
With Hensley’s appointment to co-chair alongside William Abramson, Union Square Partnership’s executive leadership team is now in place, officially ushering in a new chapter in Union Square’s history. In July of this year, Julie Stein was named Executive Director of Union Square Partnership, bringing 15 years of civic leadership to the role. Working alongside Stein, Abramson, and public and private stakeholders, Hensley is committed to the advancement and implementation of the USQNext Vision Plan. With deep expertise in New York civic and nonprofit affairs, Hensley is uniquely positioned to champion the district’s needs and work with her fellow board members to advance the organization’s goals for community advocacy, the beautification of the neighborhood and overall economic growth.
A member of the USP Board since joining Con Edison in summer 2022, Hensley is responsible for leading Con Edison’s government and community relations, regulatory affairs, communications and philanthropy. A historic anchor within the Union Square neighborhood, Con Edison has long called the district home. Hensley’s appointment to co-chair builds on Con Edison’s commitment to Union Square, while providing additional opportunities for Hensley to enact change through civic leadership.
Hensley brings a distinguished career in government affairs to her role as co-chair, having previously served as vice president, head of government relations at Lyft, where she managed government affairs strategies with local, regional and state elected officials. Before joining Lyft, Hensley was the president of Link, overseeing the global deployment of free wi-fi kiosks, and executive director of the Association for a Better New York (ABNY), where she developed the first-ever NYC Tech Ecosystem report - a blueprint for the City’s tech workforce and economic development agenda. Prior, she held positions with the Empire State Development Corporation and the Alliance for Downtown New York, as well as JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America.
“It is an honor to step into this leadership role amongst a group of such dedicated community members and institutions to represent the best Union Square has to offer,” said Jen Hensley, Senior Vice President of Con Edison Corporate Affairs and Co-Chair, Union Square Partnership Board of Directors. “I look forward to joining my Co-Chair, Executive Director and the staff of Union Square Partnership, in addition to representing Con Edison, during this pivotal moment for our community and the wider city to further our vision for Union Square-14th Street to build the beautiful outdoor spaces, accessibility and economic future our community members deserve.”
"We are thrilled to have Jen Hensley join the leadership team at Union Square Partnership as Co-Chair & President of the Board. Con Edison is a long-standing neighborhood institution and community champion, and Jen has continued that legacy as an engaged, passionate board member. I look forward to working alongside such a seasoned civic leader–her unique experience leading policy, business strategy and external affairs across transportation, real estate and technology will be invaluable as she helps to guide our organization forward,” said Julie Stein, Executive Director, Union Square Partnership.
“It has been an honor to serve Union Square Partnership’s Board of Directors for many years,” said Lynne P. Brown, former Co-Chair & President, Union Square Partnership Board of Directors. “I’m incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished and the vision we believe in for the future. I wholeheartedly support the board’s work towards the transformation of Union Square and know the team in place will ensure our neighborhood remains a prosperous district in the heart of New York City for generations to enjoy.”
“Jen is a fantastic addition to the Union Square Partnership Board. Her expertise and dedication to improving the lives of New Yorkers will greatly benefit the Union Square community,” said William Abramson, Co-Chair, Union Square Partnership Board of Directors. “Her ability to manage key stakeholder relationships within both the public and private sectors is a valuable skill that prepares her well for this role, and I look forward to working with Jen to continue ahead towards Union Square’s bright and exciting future. I also want to extend my deepest and sincere thanks to Lynne for her many years of impactful dedication to our organization, offering insightful and invaluable contributions that have helped make Union Square what it is today.”
In addition to Hensley’s appointment, Suzanne Appel, Managing Director of the Vineyard Theater, will serve as secretary of Union Square Partnership’s District Management Association, joining a talented group of officers including the Union Square Partnership Local Development Corporation Secretary Jordan Brackett, and treasurers Ken Salzman and Nick Haines, who dedicate their service to governing and stewarding the organization.
MEDIA CONTACT
Julienne Engelstad, Jordyn Leon
BerlinRosen usp@berlinrosen.com