Leadership - United Community Schools

Christine Schuch

Associate Executive Director

Bringing a passion for the health and well-being of underserved communities along with an extensive background in public interest and labor law, Christine provides big-picture oversight to United Community Schools while managing its central office staff, school-based staff and annual funding. She provides guidance and technical support to the advisory boards while deepening parent and community engagement for all United Community School sites. Christine’s work has been instrumental in growing United Community Schools from a six-school pilot to the largest network of community schools in New York City. She earned a BA in sociology/anthropology from Knox College in Illinois and her JD from the City University of New York School of Law. She also earned a certificate in leadership strategies from New York University School of Professional Studies.

Wanda Torres-Mercado

Senior Director of Strategy & Operations

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Tenisha Swift

Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives

Board of Directors

Karen Alford

President

In addition to serving as Board President for United Community Schools, Karen is the United Federation of Teachers’ vice president for elementary schools, a member of the New York State United Teachers Board of Directors and Peer Intervention Panel, the chair of the UFT Disaster Relief Fund, a board member of the W.E.B. Dubois Institute, and UFT Pension Board of Trustees, and she directs the union’s New Member Committee. A champion of early childhood education, Karen is masterful at guiding educators and partners to align strong academic programming with the socio-emotional supports for children—particularly those beset by need—to achieve and thrive.

Merrill Pond

Secretary

As Executive Vice President at the Partnership for New York City, Merrill is responsible for developing research that supports the nonprofit’s core initiatives—including helping build relationships between business and educators to ensure New York City students are prepared for success in a rapidly evolving economy. Merrill holds a master’s degree in Public Affairs, Environmental Policy from Indiana University, and both a Doctor of Law (JD) degree and a master’s degree in Law & Philosophy from the University of Connecticut. Her undergraduate degree is from St. John’s College, Annapolis, Maryland.

Kimberly A. Williams

Treasurer

Kimberly is the President and CEO of Vibrant Emotional Health, a nonprofit organization that helps over 4 million people each year achieve emotional well-being through high-quality, innovative programs. Her leadership in the field has been recognized by City & State New York, NYN Media, Mental Health Association in New York State, and the National Association of Social Workers NYC Chapter. Williams has been an adjunct lecturer at Columbia University School of Social Work and NYU Silver School of Social Work. Her voice has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CBS Evening News, The Today Show and more.