QUEENS, NY – Borough President Katz announced the appointment of Melva Miller as Deputy Borough President, effective today.  Miller succeeds former Deputy Borough President Leroy Comrie who began his term as New York State Senator earlier this year.

“Economic development is a key priority of my agenda for Queens, and Melva’s multidimensional expertise to this end is second to none,” Borough President Katz said.  “Her understanding of Queens’ neighborhoods is extensive and comprehensive, from both the holistic, macro-policy level to a block-by-block community-basis.  Melva’s ideas, professionalism and experience in government have been tremendous assets to my administration. For the communities, her focus is relentless, her passion is unwavering.  Melva has also been a trusted member of my senior leadership team since Day One.  Her ascension as my Deputy is a natural one, and I thank her for accepting this responsibility.”

“It’s an honor to be tapped by Borough President Katz to help execute her vision for the World’s Borough,” Miller said.  “Government makes the biggest impact when it is continually engaged with our communities.  I am grateful that Borough President Katz chose to promote from within and is allowing me the opportunity to continue building the economic viability of the Borough and expand to other service areas of the Borough. Across all issues – from education to housing to quality-of-life to tourism and culture – economic development and community development are one and same. This is an exciting time for Queens, and in this chapter of growth, development and opportunities for our borough, it’s an absolute privilege to work with a dynamic leader of such passion and vision.”

Since 2007, Miller has served as the Director of Economic Development for the Queens Borough President’s Office.  Previously, Miller was the Founding Executive Director of the Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District and of KECDE!, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing the arts to community youth through dance.  Miller was also previously the Project Director for the Downtown Jamaica Cultural District and a Community Organizer for the Laurelton Local Development Corporation.  A lifelong resident of South East Queens, Miller has dedicated her life to community advocacy through creative organizing and citizen participation.

Miller received her Master of Social Work from CUNY Hunter College School of Social Work and her Bachelor of Science from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice.  She is an active doctoral candidate in Social Welfare at the CUNY Graduate School and University Center.  Miller currently resides in Laurelton, Queens.