Denise Richardson Joins the Waterfront Alliance Board of Trustees

February 9, 2017

The Waterfront Alliance is pleased to welcome Denise Richardson, executive director of the General Contractors Association of New York (GCA), to the board of trustees.

The first female managing director of the GCA, Ms. Richardson leads an organization of contractors who build the foundations and infrastructure that define New York City, including maritime contractors who specialize in piers, bulkheads and waterfront structures. GCA members built the original as well as the new World Trade Center, created Battery Park City from the original Twin Towers’ excavation, constructed Hudson River Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park, and all of New York City’s wastewater treatment plants, among many waterfront projects throughout New York City.

“Denise Richardson is a true pioneer, and we are lucky she has come aboard at the Waterfront Alliance. Her perspective will strengthen our work immeasurably,” said Chris Ward, Waterfront Alliance chairman. “As we collaborate with our partners and agency colleagues to create the most resilient and accessible waterfronts throughout the metropolitan region, the Waterfront Alliance will be guided by Denise’s expertise on best practices and new ideas.”

Ms. Richardson grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island, where her father was a construction worker and union member. She was the first in her family to attend college; she has a Bachelor’s degree in economics and government from Simmons College, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Urban and Regional Planning from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University. Prior to joining the GCA in 2006, she held a number of positions in the private sector and at various City agencies.

“The work of the Waterfront Alliance in this era of climate change is essential, and I’m thrilled to be part of it,” Ms. Richardson said. ‘We have tremendous opportunities to reclaim inaccessible waterfront, to create resilient edges, to build and rebuild waterfront infrastructure that will ensure this City’s health and prosperity far into the future. I’m eager to get more involved!”

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The Waterfront Alliance works to protect, transform, and revitalize our harbor and waterfront