The New York City Bar Association has appointed Kurt M. Denk as the first executive director of the City Bar Fund, its nonprofit affiliate, in a newly created leadership role that works to expand the organization’s reach and strengthen its programs.

Denk, who has led the City Bar Justice Center since 2021, will work with the City Bar Fund’s Board of Directors, program leaders and the association to guide the fund’s future development. His appointment is effective immediately. The position was created in recognition of the fund’s growth over several decades and the increasing size and complexity of its work, according to the association.

The association said Denk will focus on fundraising, external engagement, long-term strategic planning and coordination between the fund and the NYC Bar. 

The City Bar Fund operates four programs focused on legal services, international justice, diversity and inclusion, and mental health support for members of the legal community. The City Bar Justice Center provides free legal assistance to more than 25,000 New Yorkers with limited financial resources each year through pro bono representation, community outreach and legal education.

The Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice works with lawyers across borders to advance global justice and support civil society and ethical legal practices. The Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging seeks to expand access and opportunities for people historically excluded from the legal profession, while the Lawyer Assistance Program provides free, confidential support to lawyers, judges, law students and their failies dealing with mental health concerns, substance use and other personal challenges.

Bret Parker, the City Bar Association’s executive director, said Denk’s experience and leadership made him a strong choice for the new position. 

“Kurt is an exceptional fit for this role,” he said. “In leading the City Bar Justice Center, he has earned widespread respect for his thoughtfulness, collaboration, collegiality, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to public service. Kurt has held a number of leadership positions in the legal and other sectors – ranging from law firm practice to academia to prison ministry – that have exposed him to a broad range of issues affecting the legal profession, nonprofit organizations, and the communities they serve.” 

James J. Benjamin, Jr., chair of the City Bar Fund Board of Directors, also praised Denk’s management and fundraising experience. 

“Kurt possesses a rare blend of strategic vision, inspiring leadership, and proven management and fundraising expertise,” he said. “He has a remarkable ability to bring people together around ambitious goals and lead organizations in achieving them.”

Denk said the position is a chance to strengthen the fund’s work and establish partnerships throughout the legal profession and communities. 

“It’s a profound honor to be invited to assume and shape this newly created position and thereby deepen my service to the City Bar, to the legal profession in New York, and to the diverse causes and communities that the City Bar Fund programs equip our profession to serve locally, nationally, and globally,” the new appointee said. 

Denk added that in a time of political and social divide, it is important to bring people and organizations together. 

“In the deeply polarizing era that we inhabit, entities like the City Bar Fund that serve the common good will continue to need dynamic vision and partnerships to creatively marshal the bold ideas and broad resources that can bring together both civic institutions and the people they serve,” he explained. “This is a challenge I am prepared, and honored, to take up with enthusiasm with my tremendously generous, talented City Bar colleagues and our many partners and stakeholders.”

Meanwhile, Matthew Diller, president of the City Bar, discussed the importance of the new executive director role at the City Bar Fund. 

“The creation of this position reflects both the remarkable success of these programs and our shared commitment to ensuring they continue to thrive and grow,” he said. “For decades, the legal community has stepped forward to support this work through pro bono service, leadership, and philanthropy. Kurt’s appointment positions us to build on that momentum and expand our impact in the years ahead.”

Diller also said the City Bar Fund’s programs are among “the most important ways” the City Bar fulfills its mission of advancing justice and strengthening the legal profession.