The Foundation also extends its sincere appreciation to Board member Denice C. Ware ’83 for her three years of distinguished leadership and dedicated service as President.

As the Foundation enters this new phase, we spoke with David Lee about his professional journey, vision for the Alumni Foundation, and commitment to supporting Brooklyn Tech and its community.

About David Lee ’78

A Foundation Board member since 2018, David Lee ’78 is a business asset manager whose career began as Assistant to the Chairman and CEO of Allied Stores Corporation, which later became part of Macy’s. In that role, he helped oversee the financial management of major specialty retailers including Brooks Brothers, Ann Taylor, and Bonwit Teller. He later moved on to help open stores for Coach.

Beyond the private sector, David is a dedicated community organizer and education advocate. He currently serves as Chair of the League of Asian Americans of New York, sits on the Board of the 80-20 Educational Foundation, and was appointed Co-Chair of Mayor Eric Adams’ transition team. He is also a past Commander of the Sons of the American Legion Squad 1291, where he successfully lobbied for the passage of the Congressional Gold Medal recognizing Chinese American World War II veterans.

David earned his undergraduate degree from NYU Stern School of Business and holds an MBA in Finance from St. John’s University.

Q&A with the New Board President

What inspired you to step into the role of Board President at this moment in Brooklyn Tech’s history?
Brooklyn Tech has long stood as a symbol of opportunity and excellence in public education. At a time when public schools face mounting challenges, I felt a strong sense of responsibility to step forward and serve. The Alumni Foundation plays a vital role in supporting the school and its students, and I am honored to help guide that work into the future.

How has your Brooklyn Tech education shaped your life and career path since graduating in 1978?
My years at Tech were deeply formative. The school instilled in me the ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and work across differences—skills that have been essential throughout my career. The rigor of the curriculum and the diversity of the student body left a lasting impression and prepared me well for life beyond Tech.

What are your top priorities for the Alumni Foundation in the coming years?
My top priority is to bolster our development efforts, ensuring that the Foundation can provide sustained and expanded support to Brooklyn Tech. That includes increasing alumni giving and also building relationships with public and private funders who share our belief in the power of this institution. With more than 6,000 students, Brooklyn Tech is one of the largest and most dynamic public high schools in the nation. It deserves the level of investment that reflects its size, impact, and importance.

In what ways do you hope to deepen alumni engagement across generations?
Brooklyn Tech’s alumni network is both vast and diverse, spanning generations, industries, and regions. I hope to encourage more meaningful participation across that network—whether through mentorship, career engagement, class initiatives, or philanthropy. Every alumnus has something valuable to contribute, and we want to ensure there are welcoming, accessible pathways for all to stay involved.

What advice would you give to current students preparing to enter the world beyond Tech?
Believe in the education and resilience you’ve developed at Brooklyn Tech. This school equips its students with the tools to succeed and lead. Remain curious, seek out challenges, and don’t hesitate to draw on the strength of the Tech community. Our alumni network is strong, and it exists to support you as you take your next steps.

As David Lee ’78 begins his tenure as Board President, the Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation reaffirms its commitment to advancing the mission of Brooklyn Technical High School. With a deep belief in the power of public education and a strong vision for the future, David brings both professional acumen and community dedication to this vital role.

“The Foundation team looks forward to building on its momentum,” said Courtney J. Ulrich ‘90, Executive Director, “and continuing to serve the students, alumni, and broader Tech community with both integrity and purpose.”