Kate Ascher leads BuroHappold’s cities group, which specializes in urban planning and development. She is currently the Milstein Professor of Urban Development at Columbia University, where she teaches real estate infrastructure and urban planning courses. Kate also leaders Happold Consulting's U.S. practice. She previously served Director of Development at Vornado Realty Trust in Manhattan. Prior to her work with Vornado, Kate was Executive Vice-President for Infrastructure at the Economic Development Corporation. Prior to joining EDC, Kate held a variety of positions in both private and public sectors. She served as Director of Project Finance for Coopers & Lybrand Corporate Finance in London, prior to its merger with Price Waterhouse. Earlier, Kate served as Deputy Director of the Port Department at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. She holds both Masters and Doctorate degrees in Government from the London School of Economics, as well as a Bachelor's degree from Brown University.