Dear Friends,
It is with regret and pride that I announce that Deputy Special Master and Director of the New York Office, Jordana (“Jordy”) H. Feldman, has left the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund ("VCF") to accept a position to design and administer a proposed claims resolution program intended to help victims of sexual assault resolve their claims through a confidential, non-adversarial alternative to litigation.
Jordy has been a central figure in the history of the VCF since its inception. As such, she has left an indelible mark on nearly every aspect of the program, and has positively impacted thousands of lives with her judicious, empathetic, and exceptionally fair-minded style. I know that the attorneys and claimants who interacted with her, whether at the New York office in the course of the appeals process she spearheaded, or at the many outreach events at which she represented the VCF, will miss her compassion, expertise, and commitment. On a personal level, I will miss her wise counsel, unparalleled depth of knowledge, and unwavering dedication to the mission we have shared. I am pleased and proud that she is moving on to a new opportunity where she will be able to continue to use those skills to help those in need.
In the meantime, the VCF continues its work. As we reported at the beginning of the month, the VCF has awarded nearly $5.86 billion to over 25,000 claimants, some more than once due to an amendment or appeal. We are gearing up to produce our eighth Annual Report, continuing to assess whether adjustments need to be made to our policies and procedures as we transition to a permanent program following the passage of the Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act earlier this year, and setting our goals for the next year of VCF operations. As we approach the holiday season, we work every day to help those whose lives were changed by the events of September 11, 2001, and its aftermath, and our thoughts remain with the members of this community and their families as we continue our mission to provide the relief that they deserve.
Best regards,
Rupa