The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce today announced that Carlo A. Scissura, known to countless Brooklyn residents and community leaders for his tenure as Borough President Marty Markowitz’ highly-regarded Chief of Staff, will become the new President & CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, effective September 1, 2012.
“I can think of no better candidate to lead the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce than Carlo Scissura,” said Peter Meyer, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and President-NYC Market of TD Bank. “Carlo brings to the table an unmatched combination of leadership skills and experience and his depth of knowledge about the borough and the issues facing our business community will serve the Chamber—and our more than 1,000 members—exceedingly well.”
Incoming Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Carlo Scissura said, “With all of the exciting changes going on in Brooklyn, I can’t think of a better time to take on this wonderful new opportunity at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, which has advocated for Brooklyn’s business community for nearly a century. We have witnessed the transformation of Brooklyn into a great place to live, work, play, visit and do business, and the time is now for the Chamber to lead Brooklyn as it continues its spectacular rise into a true global city and an international brand. As an attorney, small business owner, former educator, and counsel and chief of staff to Marty Markowitz—the best borough president Brooklyn has ever seen and ever will see—I have learned firsthand the needs and concerns of business-people, merchants and entrepreneurs throughout our borough. I thank Marty for his guidance, his belief in my abilities to lead and, most of all, his friendship. Also, my sincerest gratitude to the Chamber Board, Chairman Peter Meyer and Search Committee Co-chairs Denise Arbesu and Gil Cygler. I look forward to joining the dedicated staff at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce as we take on the challenges of our members and Brooklyn’s diverse business community.”
Carlo A. Scissura is a life-long resident of Brooklyn. Prior to joining the Brooklyn Borough President in 2008—first as General Counsel and then as Chief of Staff—Carlo established a law firm in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, specializing in real estate transactions, estate planning and corporate affairs. He is a former member of Brooklyn Community School Board 20 and has served on the Board of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation and the Brooklyn Public Library. Carlo also was a member of the New York City Charter Review Commission, served on Brooklyn’s Community Board 11, and was the Vice President of the Federation of Italian American Organizations.
“The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role fostering economic development throughout the borough, and providing low cost access to health insurance for Brooklyn’s small businesses,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. “There is no one better to take the helm of the Chamber than Carlo Scissura. He represents the best of everything Brooklyn has to offer and has continually turned big ideas into real action and results. I know he will do the same for the Chamber and I congratulate them on a superb choice.”
“Just like a proud parent has mixed emotions when their children leave home, I am sad that Carlo will be leaving Borough Hall but happy for Brooklyn businesses,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “I am extremely proud and excited that Carlo is going from our chief to President and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that Carlo is a Brooklynite through and through. As my Chief of Staff for the last four years, and Counsel before that, Carlo demonstrated expert managerial skills, unparalleled knowledge of Brooklyn and the determination to get things done. I know that Carlo will use those same skills at the Chamber of Commerce. And when Brooklyn’s businesses do well, all of Brooklyn comes out ahead. To that I say: Bravo!”
Previous Presidents of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce include Carl Hum, who left the Chamber earlier this year, and Kenneth Adams, who now serves as President & CEO of New York’s Empire State Development.
The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is a community of members that supports and advocates for its member businesses and promotes a healthy and robust business environment in Brooklyn. The Chamber’s membership includes local, regional and national businesses with customers or business interests in neighborhoods across the borough.
