Board of Directors

Cathy Casey, Chairperson
President, i.e. Design Events, Inc.
As president of i.e. Design Events, a special events and production design company based in New York, Cathy’s specialty is in planning black-tie gala fundraisers for non-profit clients. Cathy's volunteer experience ranges from serving as a homework helper and mentor for the International Rescue Committee's Refugee Youth program to a tutor for the Brooklyn Public Library. She has been involved with South Bronx United since early summer 2009 and joined the board in 2010. She is passionate about its mission to make a difference in the lives of the youth of South Bronx.

Dave Hahn, Secretary
Senior Recruiter, Grady Levkov and Co.
Dave played soccer throughout his childhood in New Jersey and is dismayed at how soccer has become a pay-to-play sport in most communities. As a result, he is passionate about bringing the beautiful game to the South Bronx. Dave received a degree in philosophy from Columbia University and now works as a senior recruiter for Grady Levkov and Co. He also DJs on the local music scene and is an avid guitarist and manager of the band Dub is a Weapon. Dave has been on the board since 2009.

Brian Samuels, Treasurer
Macro Consulting Group
Continuing his lifelong association with the game of soccer, Brian has been involved in mentoring and coaching youth for several years. A native of the New York metropolitan area, Brian has elated to be able to utilize his educational and professional experience in business and finance to serve as the organization's treasurer. He formerly coached the SBU 97 Strikers for two years as well as ran goalkeeper trainings. He has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and New York Cares. Brian received his Bachelor's degree in business and communications from Goucher College, where he was also a member of the varsity lacrosse team, and is pursuing an MBA from Duke Business School. Brian joined the board in 2010.

John Assadi
Partner, Assadi & Millstein, LLP
John Assadi is an attorney who specializes in the representation of foreign employees of multi-national corporations, international entertainers, scientists, and professional athletes. His clients have included The Soros Foundations, The U.S. Soccer Federation, Columbia Artists Management, Inc., various Olympians, professional soccer players in the EPL, Bundesliga and La Liga and world champion athletes, and the Rainforest Foundation. He is also a founder and director of InterFysio, LLC, a healthcare staffing company that employs physical therapists, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. He has held a lifetime passion for soccer and has served on the board since 2009.

Stephen J. Burnstin
Associate, Wilson Elser, LLP
Stephen brings to South Bronx United a life-long passion for soccer, combined with a dedication to serving his community. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, Steve most recently ran, organized and expanded the recreational soccer program. Steve has over 30 years of playing experience and has been a coach for more than 20 years. He currently holds multiple coaching accreditations from NSCCA. Steve received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington and earned his Juris Doctorate at the Cardozo School of Law in New York City where he currently practices law. Stephen has served on the board since 2009.

Juan Cervantes
President, Learning Disabilities Center for New York
Juan played soccer back in Mexico where he was known to be one of the best players in his city. He founded the Learning Disabilities Support Center of New York to address the needs of youth and adults with disabilities and has volunteered at an A.A. and D.A. nonprofit organization that assists the youth with alcoholism and drug abuse problems in the city. He has also worked for the U.S. Postal Service. As a former South Bronx United parent, he is especially excited to be able to help so many Bronx children practice his beloved sport. Juan has served on the board since 2010.

Lucas Nathan
Vice President, Town Real Estate
Lucas is a real estate broker who specializes in high end residential homes in Manhattan. After attending Northfield Mount Hermon School, he went to Skidmore College where he captained the soccer team, while earning a degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation, Lucas moved to Manhattan to pursue his real estate career. He later received a Master’s Degree in Real Estate Finance and Development from New York University. Lucas has been a soccer fan his entire life and has been coaching the SBU U6 and U8 rec teams for the past two years. He also captains a men’s league team. Lucas joined the board in 2011.

Andrew So
Executive Director, South Bronx United, Inc.
Andrew co-founded South Bronx United in 2009 and has served as Executive Director and board member since. South Bronx United merges his passions for soccer, education, and community development. He has taught mathematics and special education at New Day Academy, a public secondary school in the Morrisania neighborhood of the Bronx. He has worked with Bronx youth in the various other capacities from counselor to advisor to coach. Andrew holds a USSF “D” coaching license, has coached kids of various ages and levels and head coaches the SBU 95 boys and 97 boys teams. Andrew received his Bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and earned a Masters of Science in Education from the Bank Street College of Education in New York.

Stephanie So
Executive Director, Estée Lauder
Stephanie co-founded South Bronx United in 2009, drawing on her passion for education and community development causes both domestic and worldwide. She has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity International, Habitat New Orleans and Amigos de las Americas and has also supported a Mother's Wish in the Dominican Republic. Stephanie formerly worked consultant at Bain and Company and was the Director of Strategy and New Business Development at The Estée Lauder Companies before becoming an Executive Director of Global Skincare Marketing at Estée Lauder. Steph received her Bachelor's degree from Stanford University and earned a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. She also serves as a Board Member for the Manhattan Country School.