On June 3, Melanie E. La Rocca took office as the new commissioner of the DOB. According to her message posted on the agency’s website, “[the] goal is to strike the right balance between safety and development. To further this mission, we will aggressively enforce the City's laws to protect workers and the public. In addition, we will ensure that DOB supports all New Yorkers, whether or not they work in the industries we regulate.”
Appointed by Mayor Bill de Blasio, she succeeds Rick Chandler who stepped down at the end of January 2019 and by Acting Commissioner Thomas Fariello, RA. She is the second woman to serve in the role.
La Rocca was previously vice president of development and external affairs at the School Construction Authority (SCA), overseeing the Real Estate Group and all site development, as well as Design and Construction Services and special projects.
A native New Yorker and lifelong Queens resident, La Rocca said, "I know first-hand what it takes to deliver a high-quality project in a fast-paced environment, and I understand the need to connect with all stakeholders, especially with members of the community.”
Photo: nyc.gov