Image Credit: NYC DOB.
La Rocca will head the agency responsible for nearly 1.1 million buildings and over 45,000 active construction sites in New York City. On May 6, 2019, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that Melanie La Rocca will be the new Commissioner of the Department of Buildings. La Rocca will begin on June 3rd.
La Rocca is a native New Yorker and a lifelong resident of Queens. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Fordham University for Political Science with a concentration in Public Administration. She previously was a member of Queens Community Board 1 and served as Chief of Staff to former Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn.
La Rocca joined the New York City School Construction Authority in 2014. She was Chief of Staff to Lorraine Grillo, the President and CEO. She later became the Vice President of Development and External Affairs. She helped implement the Mayor’s Universal Pre-K initiative as the SCA has the responsibility of identifying, designing and constructing new school facilities around the city. Her time with the SCA also allowed La Rocca to closely work with the Department of Buildings and many groups in the construction and real estate industries.
La Rocca stated, “As a life-long New Yorker, I understand how the construction industry plays a key role in ensuring New York City adapts to the changing needs of our business and local communities. I know first-hand what it takes to deliver a high-quality project in a fast-paced environment, and I understand the need to connect with all stakeholders, especially with members of the community.”
Mayor de Blasio stated, “Construction workers are the backbone of our growing city, and the Department of Buildings is the City’s frontline defense to ensure safety on every job site. I am confident that Melanie La Rocca’s experience and strong ties in our community will ensure she continues strengthening the Department’s role as an agency that looks out for the safety of all New Yorkers.”
Council Speaker Corey Johnson stated, “I have known Melanie for many years and I have always been impressed with her intelligence, passion, and dedication to public service. I am confident that she will bring all of those qualities and more to her new role. This is an exciting new chapter for the Department of Buildings.”
To read the press release, click here.
By: Veronica Rose (Veronica is the CityLaw Fellow and a New York Law School Graduate, Class of 2018.)
Is she a P.E. or not?