The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has appointed Nancy Feller as General Counsel of the Trust, effective August 2, 2012.
Prior to joining the Trust, Feller served with distinction as Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel at the Ford Foundation. As the Ford Foundation’s chief legal officer, in addition to all legal affairs, Feller was responsible for governance, board matters, grants processing and documentation, and custody and maintenance of corporate records. Her work included coordinating Board of Trustees meetings, serving as staff liaison to the Board’s Management and Governance Committee, and providing staff support for the Board’s Audit, Finance and Proxy Committees. Ms. Feller also supervised the Foundation’s Human Resources, Internal Audit and Travel Services departments. Prior to joining the Ford Foundation, Feller was an Associate at Debevoise and Plimpton. She earned a law degree from New York University School of Law and received her B.A. in History from Swarthmore College.
"Nancy brings a wealth of experience in global legal affairs and not-for-profit management. She is a top leader in the community of General Counsels for major foundations," said John R. Ettinger, Chief Executive Officer of the Trust. "Nancy has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to public service during her tenure at the Ford Foundation, and we are delighted to have her join us."
"I am honored to begin this exciting new opportunity with the Helmsley Charitable Trust," said Feller. "I am proud to join a foundation that strives to improve the human condition and the environment here and around the world."