Hubbry Logo
Neil David LevinNeil David LevinMain
Open search
Neil David Levin
Community hub
Neil David Levin
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Neil David Levin
Neil David Levin
Neil David Levin
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Levin's name is located on Panel N-65 of the National September 11 Memorial's North Pool.

Key Information

Neil David Levin (September 16, 1954[2] – September 11, 2001) was an American businessman and political figure who was executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey from April 2001 until his death during the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center later that year.[1]

Early life and education

[edit]

Levin was a native of Brooklyn.[1] He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania and an MBA from Long Island University at its C. W. Post Center, followed by a law degree from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University.[3]

Career

[edit]

After completing his law degree, Levin became counsel to the securities subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, where he helped draft the 1984 Insider Trading Sanctions Act.[3]

In 1987 he went to work for Goldman Sachs, becoming vice president in 1989 and providing investment banking to federal agencies. He was also chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board of New York for seven years and an adviser to the federal home loan programs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.[3]

In February 1995, Levin was appointed by New York Governor George Pataki to serve as the state's Superintendent of Banks.[4] He took over from acting Superintendent Carmine M. Tenga.[5] In this role, Levin was the state's chief banking regulator, head of the Department of Banking, and Chairman of the State Banking Board. Elizabeth McCaul became acting superintendent.[6]

In 1997, Pataki named Levin as the state Superintendent of Insurance, the state's chief insurance regulator.[6][7] At the same time, Pataki named him the Chairman of the Commission on the Recovery of Holocaust Victims' Assets, which arranged for the return of assets to families in New York.[3][8]

In early 2001, Pataki and then New Jersey Governor Donald DiFrancesco named Levin as the executive director of the Port Authority,[9] the agency that runs the World Trade Center, various bridges and tunnels around New York City, the three airports in the New York City area, the seaports in New York and New Jersey, and various international trade programs. Levin was executive director for five months before his death.[1]

September 11 attacks and death

[edit]

Levin worked in a corner office on the 67th floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower. On September 11, 2001, Levin was at the Windows on the World restaurant on the 106th and 107th floors of the North Tower. When American Airlines Flight 11 was deliberately crashed into the tower between floors 93–99 at 8:46 A.M., all escape routes were cut off for anyone higher than the 91st floor, and Levin became one of roughly 800 people trapped in the upper floors of the burning skyscraper. Levin eventually perished when the North Tower collapsed at 10:28 A.M., killing all remaining survivors that were trapped above the impact zone.[10] His body was recovered in April 2002, nearly seven months after the attacks.

Before the tower was struck, Levin was speaking on the phone with his executive adviser, Karen Eastman. She later related that when American Airlines Flight 11 hit the tower, "Our reaction was 'What was that?' It hit on the opposite side so we just felt the impact and the building kept shaking and swaying for a long time."[1]

Personal life and legacy

[edit]

Levin married Christy Ferer in 1996; they had two children from her previous marriage.[3]

At the National 9/11 Memorial, Levin is memorialized at the North Pool, on Panel N-65.[11] He is buried at Mount Lebanon Cemetery in Glendale, Queens, New York.[citation needed]

The Neil D. Levin Graduate Institute of International Relations and Commerce was established by Governor George Pataki and the State of New York in his memory, and is a part of the State University of New York.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Neil David Levin

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Neil David Levin (September 16, 1954 – , 2001) was an American financial executive and government official who served as executive director of the of New York and from March 2001 until his death during the terrorist attacks. In this role, he oversaw key infrastructure including the World Trade Center, where his office was located on the 68th floor of the North Tower. Levin perished when the building collapsed after being struck by a hijacked aircraft. Born in New York City and raised in Atlantic Beach, Levin earned a B.A. in economics from Lafayette College in 1976, followed by an M.B.A. in finance from C.W. Post College and a J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law. His career spanned public and private sectors in finance and regulation; as counsel to the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, he helped draft the Insider Trading Sanctions Act of 1984. He later served as vice president at Goldman Sachs, chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, New York State superintendent of banking from 1994, and superintendent of insurance from 1997. Levin also chaired the New York State Commission on Recovery of Holocaust Victims’ Assets, advancing restitution efforts. Appointed to the Port Authority by New York Governor George Pataki and New Jersey Acting Governor Donald DiFrancesco, his tenure focused on bipartisan management of bistate transportation and trade facilities.

Early Life and Education

Family Background and Childhood

Neil David Levin was born on September 16, 1954. He was the son of Morton H. Levin and Gloria Levin. Levin had one sibling, an older brother named Stanley (Stan). Levin grew up in Atlantic Beach, a village in Nassau County on Long Island, New York, where his mother resided into adulthood. His family maintained a home there, reflecting a stable suburban upbringing in the area. Specific details on his early childhood experiences or parental occupations remain undocumented in available records, though the family's later memorial service at Temple Emanu-El in indicates a Jewish heritage.

Academic Achievements and Influences

Neil David Levin earned a in from in 1976. He was drawn to the college's tight-knit campus environment, where he pursued studies in . Following undergraduate studies, Levin obtained a (MBA) with a focus on finance from the Center of in 1978. He later completed a (J.D.) from School of Law in 1981. These degrees formed the foundation of Levin's expertise in economics, finance, and law, aligning with his subsequent roles in government and public administration, though specific academic honors, theses, or mentors are not detailed in available records.

Professional Career

Early Positions in Finance and Government

Following his graduation from Hofstra University School of Law, Levin began his career in Washington, D.C., serving initially as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Alfonse D'Amato and subsequently as counsel to the securities subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. In this role, he contributed to drafting the Insider Trading Sanctions Act of 1984, which strengthened penalties for securities fraud. In 1987, Levin transitioned to the , joining & Co. as an investment banker focused on services for federal agencies. He advanced to two years later in 1989, holding the position while managing firm-wide responsibilities in government-related financial advisory work. His tenure at the firm, which lasted approximately a decade, bridged his government experience with expertise in financial markets and regulatory interactions. Levin later returned to public service as chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, serving in the role for seven years. During this period, he oversaw the institution's evolution from a primary regulator of thrift institutions amid the savings and loan crisis to a key provider of liquidity and advances to member financial institutions, adapting to federal reforms under the Federal Home Loan Bank System. This position honed his skills in financial oversight and crisis management, informing his subsequent regulatory appointments in New York State government.

State Banking and Insurance Superintendencies

Neil David Levin was appointed by New York Governor in 1995 to serve as the state's Superintendent of Banks, a role in which he oversaw approximately 4,500 banks, thrifts, and other financial institutions within New York. During his two-year tenure, Levin also chaired the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, contributing to regulatory oversight in the federal banking system. His leadership in this position was described as successful, focusing on maintaining stability in the state's financial sector amid economic challenges of the mid-1990s. In April 1997, Levin transitioned to the role of New York State Superintendent of Insurance, serving until April 5, 2001, when he departed for the Port Authority. In this capacity, he regulated the state's insurance industry, including licensing, solvency monitoring, and consumer protection for millions of policyholders. Levin additionally headed the New York State Commission on the Recovery of Holocaust Victims' Assets, established by Governor Pataki to investigate and recover unclaimed assets from insurance policies held by Holocaust survivors and victims. This commission's work involved auditing historical records from European insurers and advocating for restitution, aligning with broader U.S. and international efforts to address Holocaust-era financial injustices.

Leadership at the Port Authority

Neil D. Levin was appointed Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in March 2001 by New York Governor George E. Pataki and New Jersey Acting Governor Donald DiFrancesco, with formal approval by the agency's Board of Commissioners on April 5, 2001. His selection followed internal conflicts at the agency, positioning him as the 12th executive director to lead operations across bistate infrastructure including the World Trade Center, three major airports, seaports, bridges, and tunnels. Levin brought extensive financial regulatory experience from prior roles as New York State Superintendent of Insurance, Superintendent of Banking (1995–1997), and vice president at Goldman Sachs & Co., which informed his focus on economic efficiency and infrastructure funding. During his approximately five-month tenure, Levin prioritized revenue generation and capacity enhancements to support regional economic activity, which the Port Authority's ports alone generated over $20 billion annually and sustained more than 160,000 jobs. A key initiative was the 2001 agreement to lease the World Trade Center to , Inc., for 99 years at $3.2 billion, which Levin described as providing a stable revenue stream for reinvestment in transportation while transferring day-to-day management to private enterprise. This privatization aimed to alleviate public fiscal burdens amid the agency's competing demands. Levin also advanced port and rail improvements, including a board-approved proposal to accelerate dredging New York Harbor channels to 50 feet by seven years to accommodate larger vessels and boost competitiveness. He announced a $50 million contribution from the Port Authority to New York and New Jersey for rail freight bottleneck removals, enhancing intermodal capacity. Additionally, he supported environmental-economic balance, as evidenced by endorsement of a $30 million initiative aligning growth with ecological concerns. These efforts reflected his regulatory background in fostering sustainable financial and operational reforms, though his leadership was cut short by the September 11 attacks.

Involvement in the September 11 Attacks

Role on the Day of the Attacks

On , Neil D. Levin served as Executive Director of the of New York and , the bi-state agency that owned and operated the World Trade Center complex, including its airports, bridges, tunnels, and bus terminals. Appointed to the position in March 2001, he had oversight of these facilities and was based in an office on the 68th floor of 1 World Trade Center (the North Tower). That morning, Levin was at the restaurant on the 107th floor of the North Tower, seated alone at a window table with a view of the , when struck the building between floors 93 and 99 at 8:46 a.m. The impact severed elevators and stairwells above the crash zone, trapping Levin and approximately 170 others in the restaurant and adjoining spaces. He was reportedly on the phone with a colleague at the time of the strike. No records indicate specific actions taken by Levin in response, such as evacuation attempts or leadership directives from his location; those above the generally lacked viable escape routes due to , , and structural damage. Levin remained in the North Tower until its at 10:28 a.m., resulting in his death at age 46.

Death and Aftermath

On , 2001, Levin was attending a breakfast meeting at , the restaurant complex occupying the 106th and 107th floors of the World Trade Center's North Tower, when struck the building between floors 93 and 99 at 8:46 a.m. He remained in the tower and perished when it collapsed at 10:28 a.m., along with 83 other employees, including 37 police officers. Levin was initially listed as missing and presumed dead in the attacks. His remains were recovered from the site sometime later, enabling private funeral services to be held on an unspecified Sunday in 2002. He was survived by his wife, Christy Ferer; his mother, Gloria Levin; and his brother, Stanley Levin. In the aftermath, Ferer emerged as an advocate for 9/11 victims' families, participating in discussions on the redevelopment of the and expressing concerns over diminishing family influence in planning decisions by late 2002. Levin's death prompted immediate leadership transitions at the , with the agency honoring its fallen staff through official remembrances and integration of survivor accounts into its institutional memory. His name is inscribed on the National Memorial in , and tributes continue at institutions like , where he was remembered for his professional dedication and personal compassion on the 20th anniversary of the attacks.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Neil David Levin married Christine Ann Ferer, a contributing style correspondent for , on May 5, 1996, in a ceremony following their introduction on a arranged by former U.S. Senator Alfonse D'Amato and his then-wife . The couple resided in , and Ferer later described Levin as the love of her life, noting his kindness, generosity, and dedication to family. Levin had no biological children but served as a devoted stepfather to Ferer's daughters from her previous marriage, Caitlin Millard and Ali Millard. During the two years he dated Ferer prior to their marriage, Levin actively participated in their lives, assisting with homework, attending school events, and earning the description of "super-Dad" from family accounts. Levin was the son of Gloria Levin and had one brother, Stanley Levin. His immediate family, including his wife, stepdaughters, mother, and brother, survived him following his death on September 11, 2001.

Civic Engagements and Character

Levin chaired the New York State Commission on the Recovery of Holocaust Victims' Assets, established in 1997 to assist survivors and heirs in reclaiming insurance policies and other assets seized during the Holocaust. He also served as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, engaging in discussions on international policy and global affairs. Colleagues and family described Levin as compassionate, honorable, and a man of integrity, emphasizing his ability to listen attentively to others' needs and treat individuals from all backgrounds with genuine respect. His brother Stanley noted Levin's deep value for lifelong friendships, often prioritizing personal connections through regular visits and shared activities, such as weekends with college friends. These traits underscored his commitment to public service beyond formal roles, reflecting a character dedicated to efficiency, empathy, and principled leadership.

Legacy

Memorials and Honors

The State of New York established the Neil D. Levin Graduate Institute of International Relations and Commerce under the State University of New York system to honor Levin's legacy in public service and economic policy. Announced by Governor George Pataki shortly after the September 11 attacks, the institute, located in Manhattan, focuses on global commerce, international relations, and public policy, reflecting Levin's career in finance, insurance regulation, and transportation leadership. Lafayette College, from which Levin graduated in 1976, created the Neil D. Levin '76 Public Service Endowment Fund in his memory through donations from classmates. The fund supports stipends and internships for students pursuing opportunities in and nonprofit organizations, enabling aligned with Levin's dedication to . Levin's name is inscribed on the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the North Pool, commemorating victims of the attacks, including those from the Port Authority offices in the World Trade Center's North Tower.

Enduring Impact on Public Service

Levin's extensive career in New York State government, including roles as Superintendent of Banking from 1995 to 1997 and Superintendent of Insurance from 1997 to 2000, exemplified a dedication to regulatory oversight and financial stability that influenced subsequent public administrators in those agencies. His brief tenure as Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, beginning April 4, 2001, emphasized operational efficiency and inter-state cooperation, principles that persisted in the organization's post-9/11 restructuring efforts to enhance infrastructure resilience. In recognition of his public service ethos, Lafayette College, his alma mater, established the Neil D. Levin '76 Public Service Endowment Fund following his death. This endowment finances internships for students in nonprofit and roles, fostering a pipeline of future civil servants aligned with Levin's values of and institutional . Over two decades, the fund has supported dozens of such opportunities, extending Levin's legacy by equipping undergraduates with practical experience in government and . Levin's abrupt loss on , 2001, underscored the vulnerabilities faced by public infrastructure leaders, indirectly prompting heightened emphasis on emergency preparedness protocols within agencies like the , though no specific reforms were directly attributed to his influence in contemporaneous accounts. His reputation for respectful , as recalled by colleagues, continues to serve as a model for ethical conduct in bureaucratic environments prone to political pressures.

References

  1. https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/22/nyregion/neil-levin-executive-director-of-bistate-port-authority-46.html
  2. https://news.lafayette.edu/2021/09/07/remembering-neil-levin-76/
  3. https://corpinfo.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/about/remembrance/their-names-and-faces-will-never-be-forgotten/Neil-Levin.html
  4. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5816229/neil_david-levin
  5. https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/25/classified/paid-notice-deaths-levin-neil-d.html
  6. https://magazine.lafayette.edu/fall2021/2021/11/17/9-11-two-decades-later-remembering-the-lasting-impact-of-twolafayette-alums/
  7. https://obits.al.com/us/obituaries/mobile/name/neil-levin-obituary?pid=96336
  8. https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/05/style/wedding-christy-ferer-neil-d-levin.html
  9. https://www.worldhistory.biz/sundries/36080-levin-neil-david-1955-2001.html
  10. https://www.facebook.com/InMemoriamSept11/posts/happy-heavenly-birthday-neil-d-levinneil-d-levin-was-executive-director-of-the-p/1201177732041488/
  11. https://www.suny.edu/Files/SharedPDF/levin.pdf
  12. https://www.nj.com/lives_remembered/2011/08/neil_d_levin_47_pa_executive_d.html
  13. https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2002/04/10/crews-recover-body-of-neil-levin/
  14. https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2001_press_releases/neil_d_levin_approvedasportauthorityexecutivedirector.html
  15. https://corpinfo.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2001_press_releases/port_authority_toleaseworldtradecentertosilversteinpropertiesinc.html
  16. https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2001_press_releases/port_authority_tocontribute50milliontostatestoremoverailfreightb.html
  17. https://dot.nj.gov/transportation/about/press/2001/090701.shtm
  18. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/aug/18/september11.usa3
  19. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154833566679026&id=109812364025&set=a.196699939025
  20. https://corpinfo.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/about/remembrance/their-names-and-faces-will-never-be-forgotten.html
  21. https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2002_press_releases/neil_d_levin_formerheadofportauthoritylaidtorest.html
  22. https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/16/nyregion/victims-families-sense-influence-on-ground-zero-plans-is-waning.html
  23. https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2001/10/02/new-york-names-program-after-levin-2/
  24. https://corpinfo.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2002_press_releases/neil_d_levin_formerheadofportauthoritylaidtorest.html
  25. https://news.lafayette.edu/2002/01/24/remembering-neil-d-levin-76/
  26. https://www.911memorial.org/visit/memorial/names-911-memorial
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.