Alexander Blenkinsopp
Director of Communications, Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association
Member, Community Board 9
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Alex Blenkinsopp is the director of communications for the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) and serves on Community Board 9.
“I’ve always cared a lot about Woodhaven and about Queens,” he said. “When I joined the WRBA in 2009, I hoped to give something back to my community. Through the Block Association, I met many people who had the same goal. Our successes the past few years show that a group of passionate, generous residents can make a real difference in the character of a neighborhood.
“On Community Board 9, I’ve seen how much work goes on — often unnoticed by the public — to improve our quality of life. It’s an honor to be part of this local representation and to serve with people who take their Community Board responsibilities so seriously.”
CURRENT ROLE: Blenkinsopp is a graduate student pursuing two master’s degrees — one in public policy and another in business administration.
Previously, he interned at the White House, and worked at the U.S. Treasury Department and the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. He has also worked in the private sector for an investment and technology development firm.
PERSONAL: Blenkinsopp is a lifelong resident of Woodhaven. He attended St. Thomas the Apostle School for nine years. He attended Regis High School, a Catholic school in Manhattan, on a full scholarship. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard and his master’s degree in criminal justice from Oxford.
INSPIRATIONS: “My parents have been a huge inspiration,” he said. “They’re responsible for my moral core, my priorities in life, and my work ethic. My dad taught me to be a birder and nature enthusiast, which is great because I’ve resided close to Forest Park and Jamaica Bay my whole life. My mom, who grew up in the Bronx, taught me to be a die-hard Yankees fan — not always a popular thing around here! And they both taught me to stand up for what I believe in.”
CHALLENGES: “It’s a struggle to try to make government bodies responsive and accountable, and to help them do their work better,” said Blenkinsopp. “Residents all over Queens and throughout New York City are frustrated with city agencies that are slow to address our complaints, politicians who draw district lines or accept big checks behind closed doors, and officials who ignore our suggestions. The vast majority of people who work for these government bodies are dedicated public servants, but unfortunately a few bad apples can spoil the barrel.”
FAVORITE MEMORY: “Finally making the all-star team while playing in the Ridgewood-Glendale-Middle Village-Maspeth Little League. I wasn’t a great baseball player, but I hustled and tried really hard!
“A close second was being on the team that built the new consumer protection agency. It will protect millions of Americans from unfair and abusive practices when it comes to credit cards, mortgages, and other financial products. It’s simply wrong when hard-working people get ripped off by unfair terms hidden in the fine print.”
