Press Release
Nicholas A. Gravante, Jr. Appointed Honorary Life Trustee of the Community Service Society of New York
The Board of Trustees of the Community Service Society of New York (CSS) appointed Nicholas A. Gravante, Jr. as an Honorary Life Trustee on September 27, 2023. This appointment is reserved for those who have provided outstanding service to the Society. The distinguished honor has most recently been held by the late Honorable David N. Dinkins, and currently by Dr. Stephen Aiello.
Mr. Gravante served for 19 years as a CSS Trustee, including as Chair of the Board of Trustees, Vice Chair of the Board, and as Chair and Co-Chair of the Development Committee. He has demonstrated outstanding commitment to CSS through his passionate and steadfast dedication to CSS’s mission. Mr. Gravante left the CSS Board of Trustees in 2022 with a distinguished record of leadership, service, and accomplishment.
CSS honored Mr. Gravante at its “Powering a More Equitable New York” benefit in 2022, which featured a video tribute to him: An Homage to A Brooklynite acknowledging his contributions to so many institutions throughout New York City.
Mr. Gravante, widely recognized as one of the top litigators in the country, is the Co-Chair of Global Litigation at Cadwalader, Wickersham and Taft and heads the firm’s Commercial Litigation practice.
Magda Jimenez Train, CSS Vice Chair of the Board stated: “Nick has been an ally of CSS and a longtime supporter and champion of its causes. His long-standing service to so many non-profit entities, including his service as Board Chair of Brooklyn Public Library and Poly Prep Country Day School, demonstrates his extraordinary commitment to public service.”
When Mr. Gravante was appointed Chair of the CSS Board in 2020, David R. Jones, President and CEO, applauded him for his vast knowledge of the organization and its mission. “Nick brings an abiding interest and commitment to eradicating social injustices and elevating the voices of the city’s marginalized communities, so they are heard by those in positions to effectuate change.”
Commenting on his appointment as Honorary Life Trustee, Mr. Gravante said: “Having served on the CSS Board for so long, including as a Board Chair, I have substantial experience with this incredible organization, which has done so much good for New York City and our country for over 175 years. I am honored, humbled and look forward to using my experience and the relationships I have formed along the way to continue serving CSS and its unwavering mission.”