New York City’s largest provider of on-site afterschool programs – today announced the appointment of Niesha Foster, Vice President, Product Access, Global Health & Patient Access at Pfizer, to the organization’s Board of Directors.

“We are proud to welcome such an accomplished and committed leader to our Board of Directors,” said Rachael Gazdick, CEO of New York Edge. “Niesha’s strong expertise and unwavering dedication to bettering communities across our city makes her an invaluable member of our team, and I look forward to our work together to deepen New York Edge’s impact across the five boroughs.”

As vice president of Product Access, Global Health & Patient Access at Pfizer, Ms. Foster is focused on addressing patient affordability and advancing health equity in diverse communities. She is accountable for U.S. Patient Assistance Programs, oversight of key international donation programs, and co-leads Pfizer’s Multicultural Center of Excellence, which advances health equity in ethnically diverse and underrepresented communities.

In her 17-year career with Pfizer, Ms. Foster has led numerous strategic and operational programs across commercial and platform functions. She was the finance lead for Pfizer’s HIV franchise and COPD program, and created and implemented Pfizer’s policies for interactions with healthcare professionals. Ms. Foster also served as chief of staff to the senior vice president of Policy, as well as to the president of Worldwide Research & Development. During her time as Corporate Affairs Lead, she focused on shaping the operating and access environment for the Rare Disease and Inflammation & Immunology business groups. Additionally, Ms. Foster has created unique community partnerships with organizations including the National Newspapers Publishers Association, to amplify the needs of the sickle cell disease community.

“It’s crucial that students be given tools and mentors in order for them to succeed in and out of the classroom,” said Ms. Foster. “I’m proud to join New York Edge to support students across the five boroughs and provide them with enriching, inspiring programs that will provide a launch pad for success.”

Prior to Pfizer, Ms. Foster forecasted the National Football League’s (NFL) Annual Salary Cap, and served as an auditor at PwC.

Ms. Foster holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Syracuse University and an MBA from the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business.

New York Edge provides thousands of students from more than 100 schools in grades K-12 across the five boroughs with engaging programs that will enhance their learning, enable them to grow academically and personally, and help them develop the passion and perseverance to meet their goals. From robotics classes, to leadership programs, to chess club, fencing, step club and beyond, New York Edge’s groundbreaking initiatives are customized to integrate the school day curriculum and lead to improved academic performance at every level.