Commissioner of Mayor’s Office
of Veterans’ Affairs
Corona resident Roger K. Newman has been appointed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg to serve as the first ever Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Veterans’ Affairs.
Established in 1987, the Office of Veterans’ Affairs “advises the mayor on issues affecting the veterans’ community and works to assist veterans and returning service members by connecting them with services and benefits at federal, state and city agencies.”
In his new role, part of Newman’s responsibilities will be to develop a “comprehensive strategy” that will improve the “access, coordination and delivery of health and human services to veterans, military personnel and their families throughout the city.”
“As a veteran and a New Yorker, I am honored to have been given this opportunity,” said Newman, who served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1970.
“Our veterans have made many sacrifices in service to the nation, and I look forward to working with the mayor to expand and enhance the array of vital services available to them and make them easily accessible and highly effective.”
Prior to taking on the role of Commissioner of the Office of Veterans’ Affairs, Newman was the Deputy Commissioner for Family Services at the Department for Homeless Services and the Regional Director for Crisis Intervention Services/Family Transitional Services at the Human Resources Administration. He also was formerly the Residence Director of the Boerum Hill Residence.
“Our city owes a great debt of gratitude to the men and women who have made extraordinary sacrifices to defend our freedoms, and we have a responsibility to provide them with assistance and support,” Bloomberg said.
“Roger fought for our country and has served our city for the past 21 years. Over that time, Roger has worked at both the Department of Homeless Services and the Human Resources Administration and the leadership experience he has gained will be invaluable in assisting New York’s veteran and military community,” Bloomberg said.
