President, New York City Council of School Supervisors and Administrators
Jill Levy finds strength in numbers, motivating others to work together.
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What one factor is most important to success?
Having the ability to motivate and energize others to implement a shared vision.
What do you look for in an employee?
Intelligence, communication and interpersonal skills, perseverance and loyalty.
What’s the best way to save money?
Develop a long-term non-negotiable plan for savings.
What’s the best way to spend money?
After necessary expenses and planned savings—without restraint!
What’s your greatest pleasure?
After my family’s health, boating, fishing, beaching, long-distance walking.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Open my eyes and breathe deeply to take in the joy of being alive.
How do you deal with stress?
I use my marathon walking skills to clear my head, think creatively and problem-solve, then I work harder and focus more carefully.
What one lesson do you hope to pass on to your children?
Whatever it is that you do in life, make sure it has a personal and social positive impact. Leave the “world” a better place than you found it.
How do you bounce back from adversity?
I remember that I am safe in my home and with my family and that new opportunities are everywhere if I am creative and bold enough to identify them and meet the challenge(s).
What’s your favorite thing about Queens?
My backyard with its trees, grass, vegetable garden, flowers provides escape from the noise and concrete of the city while my borough, Queens, gives me close proximity to the universe through its international neighborhoods, airports, access to highways, beaches and cultural events.
Levy is keen on motivating the people around her to perform in the most productive way possible. It’s a habit that’s paying off; she was re-elected to serve a second three-year term as head of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA) of the City of New York in 2003. (She had served there as Executive Vice-President since February of 1991.) Levy also serves on the Board of Advisors for the Campaign for Fiscal Equality. In her tenure as President of CSA, Levy has worked to reduce class sizes in schools, build new school buildings, and improve security for students.
The Queens College graduate has been a driving force behind the passage of several state laws, and spearheaded an increase in school support services.
