An executive with more than 20 years of experience in the investment industry, Len will bring extensive non-profit board leadership and a legacy of strong familial ties to the Lower East Side to his board service with US.  

“Len joins us with a deep understanding and passion for non-profit work, making him a perfect addition to University Settlement as we continue to expand the depth and breadth of our governance,” said Melissa Aase, Executive Director of University Settlement. “His investment management expertise and planning will help amplify our mission as we partner with our neighbors to build community strength.” 

“I’m really thrilled to join such a vibrant and strong agency and looking forward to productive partnerships with University Settlement’s leadership and my fellow board members,” said Leonard Berman.

About Leonard Berman 

Leonard Berman is a Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at First Manhattan Co. with more than 20 years of experience in the investment industry. He provides wealth planning and investment management services for individuals, families, professional partnerships, business owners, and charitable trusts. Prior to joining First Manhattan, Len was a Research Analyst in Lehman Brothers’ Principal Investing Group and at Eton Park Capital Management.  

Len holds a JD from Columbia Law School, an MBA from Columbia Business School, and an AB from Princeton University.  

Len is actively involved at The Jewish Center, where he was previously an officer and currently serves on the Administrative Committee and as a trustee. Previously, Len was a longtime board member of Princeton’s Center for Jewish Life/Hillel.  

Len, his wife, and their three sons live on the Upper West Side. 

About University Settlement 

University Settlement partners with 40,000 New Yorkers on the Lower East Side and in Brooklyn every year to build on their strengths as they achieve healthy, stable, and remarkable lives. For over 130 years, we’ve collaborated with our neighbors to pioneer highly effective programs that fight poverty and systemic inequality. Established in 1886 as the first Settlement House in the United States, we bring the values of that movement into the 21st century by meeting New Yorkers where they live, listening deeply to all perspectives, engaging with every individual holistically, and creating space for people to organize. Joining together with our neighbors to advocate for justice and equality, we help build community strength. 

We work with New Yorkers of all ages. We infuse a commitment to civic engagement, equity, and communal action into each of our programs, which include early childhood education, mental health, and wellness, benefits assistance and eviction prevention, adult literacy and education, healthy aging, community and recreation centers, performing and visual arts, and youth development. 

Learn more at www.universitysettlement.org