QUEENS, NY – Borough President Katz announced the appointment of Veronica “Vicky Morales” Casella as Director of Community Boards. Casella succeeds former Director of Community Boards Barry Grodenchik, who was elected to the New York City Council in November 2015. Casella will also serve as Borough President Katz’s Director of Parks & Recreation and Director of Facilities.

“Vicky and I have worked together for over two decades,” said Borough President KATZ. “There is no one who brings a stronger combination of experience, efficacy and a demonstrated commitment to public service. Vicky has proven her capacity to handle such a broad portfolio of three significant departments of my administration. She returns to Borough Hall with her superior skills in management, policy and governmental affairs. Vicky has my complete trust and confidence, and I thank her for accepting this responsibility.”

“It is a tremendous honor to be selected by Borough President Katz to help fulfill her vision in making Queens the best borough of families and for families to live, work and play,” said CASELLA. “I am thrilled for the opportunity to work with her once again for the good of the people of Queens.”

As Director of Community Boards, Casella serves as Borough President Katz’s chief adviser on all matters relating to the 14 Queens Community Boards, including the annual screening process for Community Board membership applications, and facilitates the Borough Board and Borough Cabinet on behalf of the Borough President. Casella manages the Borough President’s largest department which is charged with facilitating the relationship between the Borough President’s office and the Community Boards. As Director of Parks and Recreation, Casella serves as Borough President Katz’s top adviser on all parks-related capital funding, projects and policies, and chief liaison to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. As Director of Facilities, Casella oversees the entirety of the office’s logistical operations at Borough Hall.

Immediately prior to joining Borough President Katz’s staff, Casella served as Chief of Staff and District Director to City Councilmember Karen Koslowitz from 2010-2015. Previously, Casella served as Chief of Staff to then-City Councilmember Melinda Katz from 2001-2009 and then-State Assemblymember Melinda Katz from 1996-1998. Casella also served in Borough Hall under then-Borough President Claire Shulman from 2000-2001 as Special Assistant for Women’s Issues and Community Board Liaison.

Casella received her bachelor’s degree from Queens College. A longtime resident of Queens, She has dedicated her life to community advocacy and civic engagement throughout the borough. Casella currently resides in Flushing with her husband, Michael Casella, and their three sons, Matthew, Brandon and Vincent.

 

Photo available upon request.