Urbanist. Performer. Advocate.

Untermyer began his career as a Legal Advocate with the Urban Justice Center, where he represented hundreds of low- and no-income New Yorkers facing homelessness, eviction, or loss of emergency government benefits. He proceeded to serve in a variety of management positions within the organization and helped launch a new legal office in the Bronx’s Fordham neighborhood, where a third of all residents live below the poverty line.

In 2015, Mr. Untermyer left the Urban Justice Center to serve as Deputy Director of the Historic Districts Council, where he advocated for the preservation, improvement, and celebration of New York City’s historic built environment. As the organization’s primary outreach agent and fundraiser, he maintained regular communication with elected officials, government agencies, community organizations, and private companies to broaden the understanding and support of historic preservation. Untermyer also led walking tours, hosted educational events, and launched a series of initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion.

In addition, Mr. Untermyer is an accomplished musician and bandleader specializing in piano, keyboards, and the Hammond B3 Organ. He performs regularly in New York City and the Northeast, has appeared in Bermuda, Spain, and Canada, and wrote, co-directed, and performed in an immersive musical, “A Night With The Funks.” He also helped create a performing arts center at the Port Authority Bus Terminal – “New York’s Most Hated Building,” according to Architizer – after noticing a prominent vacant space within the structure.

Mr. Untermyer is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado School of Law. In addition, he holds a Master of Public Administration from New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service and a Bachelor of Arts in Metropolitan Studies from the University’s College of Arts and Science, where he was a University Honors Scholar and a recipient of the Founders Day Award. He is also a passionate transportation advocate, and was named an Emerging Leader in Transportation by the Rudin Center in 2015.

Untermyer serves on the Solidarity Board of Community Voices Heard, a member-led organization that fights for social, racial, and economic justice in New York State. He has also volunteered extensively with the Riders Alliance, the Safety Net Activists, and the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy.