Queens Borough President Melinda Katz is pleased to announce her appointment of Earl G. Simons to the Board of Trustees of the Queens Borough Public Library.  Mr. Simons is the Director of Government and Community Relations at York College of the City University of New York (CUNY).

Mr. Simons is a member of the senior executive cabinet of York College’s president, Dr. Marcia V. Keizs, and is responsible for overseeing civic engagement efforts. Mr. Simons also organizes special events and helps secure federal, state and local funding to support York College’s capital improvement and programmatic initiatives.

Prior to joining York College, Mr. Simons served as Director of Budget and Grants in the Office of the Manhattan Borough President.  He administered all expense and capital budget discretionary funding programs, conducted analytical research on budgetary matters and managed the Borough President’s operating and capital budgets.

Mr. Simons is a Doctoral Candidate in the Ralph G. Wilson, Jr. School of Education at St. John Fisher College (Ed.D. Program in Executive Leadership) and is conducting research into urban universities and public school collaborations/partnerships.  His research includes study of the Early College High School Initiative in New York City.

Mr. Simons has extensive experience in the areas of urban universities and public school collaborations, community development, public finance and philanthropy. He has earned a Certificate in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.

“I am very pleased to appoint Earl G. Simons to the Board of Trustees of the Queens Library,” Borough President Katz said. “Mr. Simons’ impressive background in higher education and government, which includes extensive experience in overseeing capital and operating budgets, make him a superb choice for appointment to the Board.  His intellect, work ethic and commitment to public service will be a great asset to the Queens Library.”

“I am honored to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Queens Public Library,” Mr. Simons said. “The Library is a critical resource to all Queens’ residents.  I thank Queens Borough President Katz for appointing me to this important position and look forward to serving with this exciting team.”

Mr. Simons received his Masters of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degree from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. He resides in Cambria Heights, Queens with his wife and their daughter and son.