Finance Leader Joins Board to Bolster NYC Child Mental Health Support

NEW YORK, NY – February 03, 2026 – Partnership with Children (PWC), a 118-year-old nonprofit on the front lines of New York City's youth mental health crisis, has appointed senior financial services executive Anu Willoughby to its Board of Directors. The move signals a strategic effort to fortify the organization's governance and operational capacity as it confronts escalating needs for mental health and wellness support among the city's schoolchildren.

Willoughby brings more than two and a half decades of global leadership experience from financial giants Jefferies and Bank of America. Her extensive background in investment banking, legal, compliance, risk management, and enterprise transformation provides a powerful toolkit of corporate best practices for an organization dedicated to social impact.

A Strategic Infusion of Corporate Governance

In an era where nonprofits face increasing pressure to demonstrate efficiency and long-term sustainability, the addition of seasoned corporate leaders to governing boards is a significant trend. Willoughby’s appointment is a prime example of this synergy, bringing a high level of financial acumen and strategic discipline to a mission-driven organization. Her career has been defined by navigating complex regulatory environments and driving large-scale organizational change, skills that are directly transferable to managing and scaling a major nonprofit.

"Throughout my career, I've focused on building strong, accountable institutions because when systems work, people thrive," said Willoughby in a statement. "PWC's commitment to children's mental health and stability reflects that same belief. I'm excited to join the Board and to help deepen connections that support this essential work."

This philosophy of strengthening institutional foundations is critical for PWC. The organization, which embeds licensed clinical social workers and other specialists directly into public schools, relies on a robust operational framework to deliver its services effectively. Willoughby's expertise in governance and risk management is expected to enhance PWC's commitment to responsible stewardship, ensuring that donor funds and public resources are maximized for impact on children and families.

Bolstering a Lifeline Amid a Youth Mental Health Crisis

Willoughby joins PWC at a critical juncture for youth in New York City. The mental health of the city's children has been in a state of decline for over a decade, a crisis profoundly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to recent data, 38% of NYC high school students reported feeling so sad or hopeless that it interfered with their usual activities, a sharp increase from 27% in 2011. Even more alarmingly, nearly one in ten high schoolers reported a suicide attempt in 2021.

Schools have become the primary access point for students seeking mental health support, with studies showing they are 21 times more likely to seek help there than at a community clinic. Yet, the system is struggling to keep up. Over 70% of city schools do not meet the nationally recommended ratio for social workers, and a significant number of English Language Learner students attend schools with no bilingual mental health staff. This creates a dangerous gap in care for the city's most vulnerable populations.

Partnership with Children works to fill this void. By placing full-time licensed clinical social workers, youth development specialists, and teaching artists in 47 public schools, the organization provides trauma-informed counseling, family outreach, and healing-centered arts education. Last year alone, its programs reached over 22,000 children and their families, offering a vital safety net within the school environment.

A Legacy of Community Engagement

Beyond her extensive corporate career, Willoughby has a long and consistent history of personal commitment to community and nonprofit governance. Her previous board service demonstrates a deep-seated dedication to supporting children and families, adding a layer of values-driven experience to her strategic expertise.

As a Trustee of The International Preschools in New York City, she was instrumental in a fundraising campaign that raised nearly $1 million to support early childhood education. This experience in securing resources for foundational learning is highly relevant to PWC's work. Furthermore, her service on the board of Charlotte Emergency Housing, an organization primarily serving vulnerable single mothers with children, provided her with direct insight into the challenges of family instability and poverty—key factors that profoundly impact a child's mental well-being.

While working in London for Bank of America, Willoughby also played a key role in expanding Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) into the United Kingdom in 2000. Her work with SEO, which provides educational and career programs for young people from underserved backgrounds, underscores her commitment to fostering access and opportunity.

Charting a Course for Growth and Stability

Willoughby's appointment comes as Partnership with Children is poised for significant growth. The organization recently moved into a new 8,000-square-foot headquarters designed to foster collaboration and expand its capacity, with a goal of reaching 27,000 children and families annually. This expansion requires not only programmatic innovation but also the sophisticated oversight and strategic direction that Willoughby is equipped to provide.

Wesner Pierre, CEO of Partnership with Children, lauded the new board member's qualifications. "Anu brings thoughtful, values-aligned leadership and a strong governance lens," Pierre stated. "She exemplifies the kind of leadership we value at PWC. Her clarity, integrity, and collaborative approach will strengthen our board and our ability to show up for children, families, and schools across New York City."

By blending top-tier corporate expertise with a proven dedication to social causes, Anu Willoughby’s addition to the PWC board represents a powerful reinforcement of the organization’s mission. Her appointment signals a strategic move to ensure the organization is as resilient and effective as the children and families it is dedicated to serving.