University Club  |  January 15, 2026  |  12:00 PM - 2:30 PM EST

Fellow board directors and leaders joined NACD NY for an insightful fireside chat with Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO of the Partnership for New York City, as she explored what New York’s next mayoral administration meant for the city’s business landscape. With the event marking Kathryn’s final month in office, this program offered a unique opportunity to hear directly from her at a pivotal moment for the city. Drawing on her decades of experience working at the intersection of government and the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, Kathryn shared lessons learned and what stakeholders should anticipate in the months ahead.

Attendees gained a clearer understanding of how the business community could engage productively with a new administration and help support a strong, competitive, and inclusive NYC economy.

This was a timely and valuable discussion for leaders navigating change in a pivotal moment for the city.

Speaker

President & CEO, Partnership for New York City

Kathryn S. Wylde

Kathryn Wylde is the President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, a nonprofit organization whose members are the city’s global business leaders and major employers. The Partnership’s mission is to mobilize private sector resources and expertise to advance New York City’s standing as a global center of economic opportunity, upward mobility, and innovation...

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Moderator

Of Counsel and Policy Advisor, Sullivan & Cromwell

Adrienne Harris

Adrienne A. Harris is Of Counsel and Policy Advisor to Sullivan & Cromwell, and a member of the Firm’s Financial Services Group. Her practice focuses on advising financial services firms on diverse regulatory and policy issues, as well as on complex litigation and enforcement matters...

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Key Takeaways

• A Moment for Collaboration: Mayor Mamdani’s openness to dialogue creates an opportunity for business and civic leaders to shape policies that drive long-term, inclusive growth.
• Housing as Economic Infrastructure: Expanding affordable housing is vital to keeping New York competitive and livable for all income levels.
• Revisiting Public-Private Partnerships: Past revivals show how collaboration among government, finance, and civic sectors can move the city forward again.
• The Power of Nonprofits: Their deep community connections make them indispensable to equitable growth.
• Talent as NY’s Superpower: The city’s diverse and dynamic workforce remains its greatest asset.
• Fueling Entrepreneurship: Supporting small and emerging businesses will create the jobs of the future.
• A Cultural Ecosystem Like No Other: Arts and culture continue to fuel tourism, jobs, and New York’s global identity.