Introducing Our New President: David Drinkwater
David Drinkwater was elected President of St. George’s Society of New York at the 252nd Annual General Meeting held virtually on 25th January 2022. David succeeds Frank E. Morgan II. We caught up with our new President to learn more about him and his vision for the SGSNY.
David has over thirty years of experience in the financial markets industry. He has been CFO or COO at firms including Lionpoint Group, a global technology consulting firm, and two New York-based investment managers: Manikay Partners and ING Clarion Capital. He graduated in Chemical Engineering from Birmingham University and is a UK Chartered Accountant. David is Chair of the University of Birmingham USA Alumni Society and was on the Board of the University of Birmingham USA Foundation. He also runs the UK Alumni Group of New York and was President of the British Schools and Universities Club of New York.
What brought you to New York?
In 1991, I was working for Arthur Andersen in London, and I was offered a two-year transfer to another office in either Madrid or New York. I can count pretty well, but I’m terrible at languages so I came here. Like many of our members who initially planned to stay for a short term, I soon realized I wanted to stay longer, much longer. The company arranged my green card and I'm still here thirty years later. Arthur Andersen, sadly, is not.
Why do you think it’s important to become a member of St. George’s Society of New York?
SGSNY is a wonderful, varied, diverse community - a social network that supports worthy causes. I encourage all members to engage in different ways - bring friends to events, volunteer, mentor scholars, connect us to others and of course, support the causes if they can. As we build the membership community we can grow the support to our programs and expand the offerings to the community.
What is your vision for SGSNY?
In addition to continuing the legacy of our charitable programs and strong community, I'd like to increase our prominence in New York. We have been called "the best kept secret in NYC", but I'd like us to be the organization that people know about and want to join. I'd also like to expand our charitable programming so that we are a leading New York charity that improves the quality of life for our seniors, scholars and families.
What is your favorite place in New York?
I'll cheat here and list a few, as it's impossible to choose only one favorite.
Early in the morning Washington Square Park is wonderful, peaceful place and I'm thankful that Jane Jacobs stopped Robert Moses from turning it into a six-lane highway in 1955.
My favorite place to eat was B Bar, the outdoor cafe on the Bowery, but that space is now a construction site for yet another glass tower. Instead, I'll mention Lucien, the French bistro on First Avenue as a great place for lunch or dinner. The crowd changes over the years but the ambience and the menu stay the same.
The Whitney Museum is worth visiting several times a year and conveniently close to the outdoor treats of the west side.
Finally, I'll add Governor's Island, which is still a hidden gem. A few years ago, on separate visits to the Island we saw an arts festival in the abandoned houses on Admirals’ Row, a bizarre fairground, a gathering of VW camper van enthusiasts (with their vans), a German techno DJ show and a unicycle parade.
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I'm part-owner of a bar in the East Village called Maiden Lane. Owning a bar is fun unless you actually want to make any money. I plan on hosting some informal events there once the city opens up, so watch this space!