Diane Cohen has retired after 15 years as District Manager of Community Board 8. Her last day at work was Friday December 29. District managers are hired by community boards and charged with establishing an office, hiring staff, and implementing procedures to improve the delivery of city services to the district.
The position of district manager is a diverse role which can encompass taking complaints, serving as municipal manager, information source, community organizer, mediator, advocate and more.
There is currently a search underway to find a replacement for Cohen. The hiring process is being handled by Borough President Helen Marshall's office.
A community activist, Mike Sidell, has already begun lobbying for the position. The self-described unofficial mayor of Kew Gardens Hills, Sidell said that he had been fulfilling the duties listed for a district manager on a Queens-wide basis since 1962.
“I also will implement data tracking and green book and black book ways of cutting red tape and avoid delays of resolving complaints,” he said. Sidell is currently not working but undertakes a great deal of voluntary work for the community.
Asked whether Sidell would make a good replacement Cohen said, “I haven't seen who else has applied. Mike would be as good as anyone would, but I'm not endorsing him. I would want to see who else puts in before making a decision.”
While Cohen has enjoyed her years as district manager and is well regarded among the community she is happy to be retiring.
“I plan to see more of my family and spend more time with my husband. I want to do a little traveling, go to shows, museums and generally just catch up on all those things I've put off over the years.” Cohen said.
CB 8's Diane Cohen has retired
By Jillian Abbott
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