As the demand for counseling continues to increase as more of New York’s Bravest seek mental health support, New York City-based nonprofit Friends of Firefighters (FOF), founded in the wake of 9/11 is an independent provider of free and confidential mental health counseling and wellness services for active and retired FDNY firefighters and their families, announced today four new members are joining its Board of Directors.
New board members
Those new board members include Leigh Marie Dannhauser, an executive at Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP, a prestigious law firm headquartered in New York City specializing in restructuring and private equity, Taryn Duffy, vice president of MGM Resorts Group Northeast, Brandon Lawrence, a former volunteer firefighter who currently serves as a vice president at William Blair & Company and Erin O’Rourke, a long-time banking executive who recently retired after 41 years with JP Morgan Chase.
The new board members joined the Board of Directors as Friends of Firefighters currently see unprecedented increases in demand for counseling services.
Friends of Firefighters
30 Days to $300K, leveraging the financial sector to help support and invest in the safety and security
Friends of Firefighters saw a 300 percent increase in counseling sessions between 2018-2023 and the organization is on pace to meet or beat the number of counseling sessions conducted in 2024. As demand has soared, donations to support these important services for New York’s Bravest have not kept pace. In addition, the suicide rate among firefighters nationally is nearly double that of the general population.
Friends of Firefighters recently launched The Hero Challenge: 30 Days to $300K, leveraging the financial sector to help support and invest in the safety and security of the City, and the men and women of the FDNY who dedicate their lives to protecting NYC.
9/11-related illnesses
The announcement also comes during the season of giving and as the number of FDNY lost from 9/11-related illnesses (more than 360 and counting) has officially surpassed the 343 New York City firefighters tragically lost on 9/11.
“We are so honored to have Leigh, Taryn, Brandon, and Erin join our Board of Directors and lend their experience and expertise to our mission of supporting the heroes of FDNY who run into danger and risk their lives every day to protect our city. Their incredible support of our mission will help us provide and expand the services we provide to New York’s Bravest, especially in their time of need,” said Friends of Firefighters Founder and Executive Director Nancy Carbone.
About Leigh Marie Dannhauser
Leigh Marie Dannhauser is a Capital Markets Associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP where she advises issuers and underwriters on public and private offerings of securities and other capital markets transactions.
She is a staunch advocate of mental health, certified in mental health first aid, and serves as a Wellness Ambassador within her firm. Leigh Marie is a graduate of UCLA’s School of Law, who currently resides in Manhattan.
About Taryn Duffy
Taryn generously donates her time to volunteering and mentorship, focusing on mentoring women in their careers
Taryn Duffy currently serves as Vice President of Public Affairs for MGM Resorts Northeast Group, which encompasses Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts in New York and MGM Springfield in Massachusetts. Taryn began her career as a litigation paralegal in California before returning to New York and entering the political arena to work for the Speaker of the New York State Assembly before serving as Chief of Staff and campaign manager to a State Senate Leader for several years.
Taryn generously donates her time to volunteering and mentorship, focusing on mentoring women in their careers. She serves as a Board Member of ArtsWestchester, Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Yonkers Workforce Development Board, Yo Digo No Más, is an Executive Board Member of the Business Council of Westchester, and co-chairs their Women in Business Council.
About Brandon Lawrence
Brandon Lawrence currently serves as Vice President of William Blair & Company, a Global Investment Banking and Asset Management Firm where he advises private equity sponsors on fund/asset-level liquidity solutions, specializing in continuation fund transactions and NAV financings, driving transaction volume of $4 billion for their current fiscal year.
A recent MBA graduate of Columbia University, Brandon spent eight years as a volunteer firefighter with the Centre Square Fire Company in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, where he led a five-member team to protect and serve their community.
About Erin O’Rourke
Born and raised in the Bronx and Far Rockaway, Queens respectively, Erin O'Rourke spent 41 years in the banking industry at Manufacturers Hanover Trust, which later became part of Chemical Bank, Chase Manhattan Bank, JP Morgan, and Bank One through various mergers. As her career progressed, Erin took on pivotal roles in Compliance and Operational Risk, leading risk management efforts across both the Investment Bank and Commercial Bank businesses.
Her expertise in these areas was instrumental in navigating the complexities of regulatory requirements and operational challenges. Erin retired from JP Morgan Chase in August 2023, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional leadership and an enduring impact on the financial industry.
Advisory Council Members
Additional Advisory Council Members include Actor and Humanitarian Gary Sinise, Director, and Producer Kevin Smith
In addition to the Friends of Firefighters Board of Directors, the organization also has an Advisory Council consisting of former firefighters including Actor Steve Buscemi and Impractical Joker Brian Quinn.
Additional Advisory Council Members include Actor and Humanitarian Gary Sinise, Director, and Producer Kevin Smith, and more.
The Bravest Children
Earlier in 2024, Friends of Firefighters received support for current and expanded programming from both the private and public sectors- including discretionary funding from the New York City Council.
One new program Friends of Firefighters recently launched was “The Bravest Children,” a pioneering program designed to address the mental health needs of the children of New York City firefighters.