YPIE Appoints Ellen Cutler Levy as Board of Directors Chair

Ellen Cutler Levy with YPIE Executive Director Sam Wallis, YPIE Volunteer Anita Nordal, and YPIE alumni, Jazzlyne and Samantha

YONKERS, NEW YORK, June 23, 2025 – Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE), a national nonprofit organization that prepares students for college and career success, today announced the appointment of Ellen Cutler Levy as Chair of the Board of Directors, effective July 1st, 2025.

Ellen Cutler Levy succeeds David Westin, Bloomberg TV anchor and former president of ABC News, who has served as Board Chair for the past decade. Under David Westin’s leadership, YPIE significantly expanded its reach, strengthened its programs, and deepened its impact on the lives of thousands of students.

A founding executive of YPIE, Ellen has played an integral role in shaping the organization’s strategic growth. She cultivated relationships with corporate partners, school district partners, and community members, led fundraising efforts, and guided the evolution of YPIE’s program model. Most recently, Ellen helped design and implement YPIE’s expansion into Jersey City, NJ, and Nashville, TN, replicating YPIE’s college success model in new communities.

“It’s been a privilege to watch YPIE grow from an idea into the vibrant, important organization it is today,” said David Westin. “I know YPIE will continue to grow and expand its work helping public school students under the able leadership of Ellen and Sam.” 

“Ellen has had a profound impact on every aspect of YPIE; she helped cultivate relationships with school partners, build an effective team of staff and volunteers, and guide our growth in Yonkers and expansion into Jersey City and Nashville,” stated Sam Wallis, YPIE Executive Director. “Even as Ellen was playing a key organizational role at YPIE, she was also mentoring many YPIE students with whom she has developed lasting relationships. YPIE is fortunate to have Ellen step into this new role as Board Chair.”

With more than 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Ellen began her career at the AT&T Foundation and later joined the March of Dimes, where she launched a nationwide, hospital-based education program for parents of premature infants.

“I am honored to collaborate with a dedicated board of directors to ensure that YPIE maintains high expectations for students and provides access to opportunities that enable students to elevate themselves, their families, and the communities where they live and work,” said Ellen Cutler Levy, incoming Chair, YPIE Board of Directors.  

Ellen holds a B.A. from Tufts University and an M.A. in Public Administration from NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service.

About Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE)

Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) partners with students to ensure they are ready for, enroll in, and complete college. We confront the challenges of low-income, urban school districts by providing families with equitable access to the critical tools and services necessary for college success. Founded in 2007, YPIE puts college and high-paying jobs within reach for thousands of students. Learn more at ypie.org.

Contact Susan Schwartz

Senior Director, Communications

914-377-4882 sschwartz@ypie.org