Chairman of the Board, Emeritus
Roy Niederhoffer is the founder and President of R. G. Niederhoffer Capital Management, a quantitative hedge fund he established in 1993 after earning a degree in Computational Neuroscience from Harvard and working in finance for five years. With nearly 30 years of experience, he specializes in behavioral finance-based strategies that offer both strong returns and downside protection. He also serves as Chairman of the Board for the Harmony Program.
Board member
Claudio Ferri is Artistic Director and Deputy General Director of Opera Carolina, with over 20 years in the opera world. He began his career as a teenager in Rome and quickly rose to prominence as one of Italy’s youngest and most successful opera agents. Known for his work with top international talent, Ferri brings deep industry knowledge and artistic leadership to his role on the Board of Directors at New York City Opera.
Board member
Earl Ciccel is a veteran entertainment consultant and concert promoter with over 45 years of experience. As president of Full Armor Media & Entertainment, he has overseen major venues across the U.S. and produced events for artists like Beyoncé, Diana Ross, and Pharrell. A descendant of music legend Noble Sissle, Ciccel brings a rich legacy and deep industry expertise to his role on the Board of Directors at New York City Opera.
Board member
David Schoenkin is a Managing Director at Oppenheimer & Co., specializing in asset management and generational wealth transfer for ultra-high-net-worth families, institutions, and foundations across four continents. With over 30 years in finance, he brings deep expertise in investment strategy, estate planning, and multi-generational wealth preservation. A member of Oppenheimer’s Chairman’s Council and recognized by Forbes as a Best-In-State Wealth Advisor, David also serves on advisory boards in real estate and medical tech, and supports numerous philanthropic causes.
Board member
Grant Hanessian is an independent arbitrator based in New York, specializing in international, investor-state, and complex commercial disputes. Formerly a partner at Baker McKenzie for over 30 years, he led the firm’s International Arbitration Practice in North America. He served as the U.S. member of the ICC Court of Arbitration (2015–2021) and chaired the Arbitration Committee of the U.S. Council for International Business. He currently teaches as an Adjunct Professor at Fordham Law School.
Board member
DANIEL L. RUBIN
Daniel Rubin is President & CEO of the Opera Verace Foundation and Emeritus Professor of Biomedical Data Science and Radiology at Stanford University. An accomplished researcher and cultural leader, he brings his deep commitment to innovation and education in the arts to his role on the Board of Directors of New York City Opera.
TERRY DESSER
Terry Desser, MD, serves as Professor of Radiology (Emerita) at Stanford University and is a passionate advocate for opera education — fusing her lifelong devotion to music and teaching with her leadership in the arts. She joins the Board of Directors of New York City Opera to help expand access, nurture young artists, and elevate the company’s educational mission.
Reviving a cultural icon for a new generation