NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Phoenix Foundation, the charitable non-profit organization launched earlier this month by leading interdealer broker Phoenix Partners Group, announced today that Akasha Absher has been appointed President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors, effective immediately.
As President and Chairperson, Ms. Absher will direct all administrative, communication, and program activities of The Phoenix Foundation, and play an integral role in its strategic oversight. Additionally, she will work closely with other members of the Board of Directors on the identification and review of local charities being considered for financial assistance from the Foundation, and will lead the implementation of Board decisions on the granting of financial awards.
"Akasha is the ideal person to help Phoenix Partners Group successfully launch our philanthropic foundation," said Nicholas Stephan, co-founder and CEO of Phoenix Partners. "In addition to her previous work with local charities, she shares a genuine passion for the causes and issues closest to us, namely underprivileged children, at-risk teens, and the elderly. As well, her business acumen and financial expertise will be instrumental in matters of governance and in ensuring we are efficient and effective in our approach to charitable giving."
Ms. Absher was previously involved in other New York City-focused charities, including Graham Windham, the nation’s oldest non-sectarian child welfare agency, and Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, one of New York City’s first mentoring and college preparatory programs for underserved high school students. Currently, she is actively involved with Children of Bellevue, an advocacy organization for child patients (and their families) of Bellevue Hospital Center.
"I look forward to working with the Board of Directors to bring the strategic vision for the Foundation to life," said Ms. Absher. "Although economic conditions are generally improving, many of our smaller, local charities are still struggling to keep their programs and services going as their budgets have not similarly rebounded. These are the charities that The Phoenix Foundation seeks primarily to support, and it will be an honor to play a role in that effort."
Ms. Absher comes to The Phoenix Foundation with a strong background in finance and corporate strategy. She is currently a senior analyst with Lucidus Capital Partners. Prior to that appointment, she was Vice President, High Yield Research with JPMorgan Securities, among other finance roles. Ms. Absher earned her MBA from University of Michigan Business School, and her undergraduate degree at Clark Atlanta University.
The Chairperson and President roles at The Phoenix Foundation are non-compensated positions, as are all Board and Officer positions within The Foundation.
ABOUT PHOENIX PARTNERS GROUP
Founded in 2005, Phoenix Partners Group is a leading brokerage firm with offices in New York, London, Switzerland and Paris. In its credit and equity businesses, Phoenix Partners Group serves some of the world's largest banks, dealers and institutional clients; in its commodities business, Phoenix Partners Group offers tailored solutions to traders, producers, and governmental entities. Through its subsidiary, Phoenix Greenworks Capital Limited, Phoenix Partners Group is an innovator in developing renewable and sustainable energy projects around the world. Phoenix Partners Group prides itself on its unique corporate culture that emphasizes client service and promotes teamwork. For more corporate and market information, please visit www.phoenixpartnersgroup.com.
ABOUT THE PHOENIX FOUNDATION
The Phoenix Foundation is in the process of applying to the I.R.S. to be recognized as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and will apply to be registered with the State of New York Attorney General’s Charities Bureau as a charitable organization. Launched by leading interdealer broker Phoenix Partners Group, the Foundation provides financial assistance, such as direct donations, grants, and scholarships, and other support to underfunded local charities where the Foundation deems it can have a meaningful impact on the quality and continuation of the services and programs those charities provide. While any qualifying charity may be considered, the Foundation is keenly interested in those dedicated to helping underserved groups, namely underprivileged children, at-risk teens, and the elderly.