York College Announces Its Foundation’s New Chair and 2 New Board Members

Eric J. Deutsch, co-founding partner of DL Development Partners LLC, appointed Chair of the York College Foundation Board of Directors and Queens businesswoman Patricia Robinson and attorney Khaair J. Morrison voted to the board

QUEENS, NY—The York College Foundation announced that Eric J. Deutsch has been appointed chairman of its Board of Directors, serving a one-year term. Deutsch succeeds Ana Rua. 

“It is an honor to serve such an important institution as York College. Jamaica, Queens, and York especially, have a long history in my family. I have been fortunate enough for the last six years to be working on projects in Jamaica and I know how important York is as a stabilizing and growing influence in Southeast Queens,” said Deutsch, who has been a York College Foundation Board of Directors member for two years.

As chair, Deutsch’s responsibilities are to oversee the foundation’s activities. “However we can support enrollment, raise awareness of York College, bring in more participation of leaders in the area and ultimately grow the endowment is our vital task,” explained Deutsch.

Deutsch is a co-founder of DL Development Partners LLC, a firm focused on developing and repositioning industrial, commercial, and residential assets in New York City. He has more than 30 years of experience in the real estate and economic development fields, serving senior positions in the public, non-profit and for-profit sectors.

Deutsch is best known for his service as the president and CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corp. His tenure at the 300-acre historic facility helped usher in the renaissance of the industrial market in New York City, creating a model that is still followed today. Deutsch was instrumental in the development of Steiner Studios, and the development of a master plan that helped usher in future growth at the facility. He went on to become the president of the Alliance for Downtown NY, the largest BID in the US, working at a critical time on the rebuilding of lower Manhattan. Deutsch started his years in the public realm at the New York City Economic Development Corp., managing industrial and commercial projects in all five boroughs, as well as serving as the executive director of the New York City Industrial Development Agency. Deutsch also held the role of the executive director of the Group of 35, a blue-ribbon panel of 35 significant New York City leaders assembled by Senator Charles Schumer to spur commercial development, ultimately catalyzing support for the growth of the Hudson Yards, Downtown Brooklyn, Long Island City and downtown Jamaica, Queens.

Deutsch has a bachelor’s degree in political science from George Washington University, and a master’s degree in real estate development from Columbia University.

Business and community leader Patricia Robinson and attorney Khaair J. Morrison joined the board of directors this month. Ms. Robinson, the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation's chief administrative officer, is an education advocate and a professor at Westchester Community College. She is MWBE certified and owns a consulting firm, where she consults clients with her expertise in human resources, workforce development, professional development, and strategic business operations. Ms. Robinson has a bachelor’s degree in business and finance and a master’s degree in human resource management, both from the University of Phoenix.

“I am honored to join the York College Foundation Board of Directors. Education has been the through line to becoming a well-rounded professional. I look forward to contributing my expertise, talents, and passion to support our next-generation of leaders in an educational institution that serves with excellence, and commitment and offers top-notch academic opportunities,” Ms. Robinson said.

Morrison serves as vice president, Legal & Compliance, at Glendower Capital, advising on the legal aspects of secondaries transactions, their structures and execution. Before joining Glendower, Morrison worked as an associate at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in New York, focusing on mergers and acquisitions. Morrison also gained valuable experience as an associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, where he represented private equity sponsors and public and private companies in diverse M&A transactions. Morrison is admitted to practice in New York. He holds a juris doctorate from Howard University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in Urban Policy and Community Development from CUNY Baccalaureate School for Unique & Interdisciplinary Studies.

"I am thrilled to join the board of the York College Foundation. As a lifelong Southeast Queens resident, York College has been instrumental in my growth from a young age, as well as in the development of our community. Being part of an institution that is on an exciting growth trajectory and serves so many people across our city is truly an honor. This university not only provides outstanding education but also plays a vital role in enriching our community. I look forward to working with my fellow board members to support and enhance the university's mission, ensuring it continues to grow and positively impact the lives of countless individuals," Morrison said.

About York College

Founded in 1966, York College is a senior college in the City University of New York System (CUNY) located in Jamaica, Queens. The college is organized into three schools: the School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Business & Information Systems, and the School of Health Sciences and Professional Programs. Through those schools, York College offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Dr. Claudia Schrader is the interim president of York College.

Press Contact: 

Stephannia Cleaton, Interim Director of Marketing and Communications
Office (718) 262-2305 Cell (929) 342-8802
scleaton@york.cuny.edu