Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz announced today the promotion of his Counsel, Carlo A. Scissura, to the position of Chief of Staff effective April 7, 2008. Scissura succeeds Gregory D. Atkins, who leaves the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office after nearly five years of service to take a new position with V3 Hotels.

“When it came time to select my new Chief of Staff, the choice was easy,” said Borough President Markowitz. “Carlo’s knowledge of all things Brooklyn, his legal and political expertise, his dedication to community and policy issues, particularly education, as well as his vision, good nature, and ability to work with representatives of our borough’s diverse communities make him the perfect choice for this position.”

“I am excited by the extraordinary opportunity to work with Marty in shaping Brooklyn and keeping it at the forefront in development and innovation among the five boroughs and other U.S. cities,” said Scissura. “I look forward to helping the Borough President accomplish his visionary goals for Brooklyn—including renovating the Loew’s Kings Theater, opening an amphitheater at Asser Levy Park, beginning development of Atlantic Yards, building and renovating more affordable housing and schools, and making the borough more ‘green’ for everyone.”

Scissura, 37, is a lifelong Brooklyn resident, born and raised in Bensonhurst and currently living in Dyker Heights. He is a graduate of Pace University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts, with honors, in Political Science, as well as a Juris Doctor. Scissura attended Our Lady of Guadalupe School and Xaverian High School. 

Prior to joining the Borough President as Counsel, Scissura was an attorney in full-time private practice, and worked in both the New York State Assembly and Senate. He is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the Brooklyn Public Library and Brooklyn Information & Culture (BRIC). In addition, Scissura is the Second Vice President of the Federation of Italian-American Organizations, where he is helping to spearhead the development of a new Italian Cultural and Community Center, and is the Master of Ceremonies for the Brooklyn Columbus Day Parade.

In 1999, Scissura was elected to Community School Board 20, and five years later was appointed by Borough President Markowitz to serve on the Community Education Council for District 20, where he served as President and Chairman of the Legislative Committee. He was also a long time member of Community Board 11 and served as the Chair of the Law Committee.