By Anna Gustafson
Borough President Helen Marshall appointed former state Assemblyman Barry Grodenchik as her new deputy borough president Tuesday.
Grodenchik replaces former Deputy Borough President Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills), who was just elected to the City Council.
“Barry is a seasoned public servant with experience at the state and county level,” Marshall said. “He has been involved in the planning and fruition of many projects in Queens and has the experience and knowledge to serve our county well.”
In addition to serving as Marshall’s deputy, a position mandated by the city charter, Grodenchik will be the director of community boards and responsible for parks-related and other issues. Koslowitz had also previously served as the director of community boards.
Grodenchik most recently was the vice president of Parkside, a government and political relations firm in the city. He was elected in 2002 to represent the 22nd Assembly Districtin Flushing. He served on five committees in the Assembly, including health, aging and social services.
He lost his 2004 re-election bid for the Assembly to Jimmy Meng, father of Assemblywoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing). He had won his seat in 2002 in an extremely close race against Jimmy Meng and Ethel Chen.
