COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Michael Serao is a third-generation Italian-American who truly defines the meaning of community service. Serao is the director of the board of the Astoria LIC Kiwanis, Sharing and Caring, and advisory board member to Immaculate Conception School, president of the Ditmars Merchants Association, chair for the Astoria Park Relay for Life, charter member of the Lions Club, treasurer of the William Jefferson Clinton Democratic Club, director of the board of the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens and a member of Community Board 1 as well as the vice president of the Astoria Civic Association which is lead by former City Council Speaker Peter F. Vallone, Sr..
Seraol’s philanthropy work includes working with children with autism, senior citizens with disabilities and he has worked actively in the LGBT community. He served as the vice president of OUT Astoria and president of the Western Queens LGBT Democratic Club. Serao has worked closely with his elected officials, Councilmember Peter Vallone, Jr., Assemblymember Aravella Simotas and State Senator Michael Gianaris to help the Astoria community.
PERSONAL: Michael is a lifetime Bayside resident and currently still lives in Bayside with his partner of three and a half years Jonathan Bench, who is the Assistant Director of Visitor Services for The David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center.
JOB : Serao is the vice president at Quontic Bank in Great Neck. He runs the overall day to day functions of the retail branch.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Serao said the biggest challenge of his career is his age. “When people see someone younger who is doing well that can cause jealousy, but if you stay on the right track; the end result would speak for itself.”
FAVORITE MEMORY: Serao’s favorite memory was in 2008 when he was honored as Man of the Year for Business Leadership, by the Powhattan Democratic Club. He also is very proud of being chosen as Quality Services for the Autism Community 2011 honoree.
INSPIRATION: The Vallone family; Peter and Paul are his inspirations. “All of their accomplishments, and the legacy that they leave behind shed a positive image for themselves and the community. I want my name to be associated with the positive things that happen in the community just like the Vallone’s.” – Randell Evans
