November Promotions, Announcements & Appointment
Lacerte honored by Gardens Club
The City Gardens Club of New York City presented Susan Lacerte, executive director of Queens Botanical Garden, with its Medal of Honor at its Centennial Luncheon in Central Park.
The historic medal is given to an individual in recognition of distinguished work and dedication in enhancing gardens, parks, and open space in New York City.
“I am so honored to receive this award from the City Gardens Club for the work I love to do, at a Garden that touches the lives of so many,” said Lacerte.
Lacerte has been executive director of Queens Botanical Garden in Flushing since July 1994. She is responsible for leading the transformation of the 39-acre garden into a model of cultural expression and sustainable design that speaks to the diverse interests of over 200,000 annual visitors.
In addition to her work at QBG, Lacerte is an associate professor at Farmingdale State College, where she created and teaches a Public Garden Management course. She resides in New Rochelle with her husband, the proud mother of twins, and an avid swimmer.
Sullivan given CEO award
Dr. Ann Sullivan, commissioner of the state Office of Mental Health (OMH), has been named recipient of the 2017 CEO Award by the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS). The
CEO Award is given annually by the Association to individuals whose leadership and dedication helps to transform the lives of individuals with mental illness and their loved ones.
Prior to being appointed commissioner, Sullivan served in management positions within the Queens Health Network of the city Health and Hospitals Corporation.
As Commissioner, she has guided the transformation of the state hospital system with an emphasis on recovery and expansion of community-based treatment, reinvesting more than $76.5 million in community services as of July 2017.
“Her steadfast leadership, compassion and intelligence has helped in continuing to make New York State a national leader in community based mental health services, mental health innovations and the integration of mental health and healthcare,” said MHANYS CEO Glenn Liebman.
Spann named Premier Agency
Kevin Spann of Kevin Spann Agency at 64-77 Dry Harbor Road in Middle Village has been designated an Allstate Premier Agency for 2017.
The Allstate Premier Agency designation is bestowed upon 26 percent of Allstate’s nearly 10,000 agency owners across the country. It is awarded to Allstate agency owners who have demonstrated excellence in delivering a personal customer experience while achieving outstanding business results.
St. Mary’s honors Chen
Steve Chen, chief operating officer of Crystal Window & Door Systems, was honored by St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children at its Tribute Dinner on November 6.
In addition to leading the parent company in Flushing, Chen directs dealings with distributors and specialty installers as well as large-scale projects, from proposal and estimation to production and delivery.
He also guides corporate functions including production, finance, accounting, product research and development, marketing and advertising initiatives, branch office operations, sales administration, and human resources.
Chen was recently recognized by Crain’s New York Business, which named him to its prestigious 2016 40 under 40 list. He is a long-time supporter and friend of St. Mary’s in Bayside.
Malitz joins Cushman
Cushman & Wakefield announced that Adam Malitz has joined the firm as a director in Retail Brokerage for the Brooklyn and Queens market. Malitz will be based at Cushman & Wakefield’s
Brooklyn and Queens offices, and will work with Betty Castro, managing principal, and Katie Mahon, managing director for Retail Services & Brokerage Operations in the tristate region.
Malitz joined Cushman & Wakefield from Lee & Associates, where he served as a director in retail leasing, focusing on landlord and tenant representation throughout the five boroughs.
Malitz also serves on the executive board of Manhattan Community Board 1 and The Friends of Washington Market Park. He also teaches business courses for the Department of Small Business Services.
Dorf appointed VP at QC
Laurie F. Dorf has been appointed vice president for Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations at Queens College.
As interim vice president since January 2016, Dorf has led fundraising efforts for the college while also overseeing funding for the educational institution’s strategic plan.
Under her leadership, the college will seek to increase its resources to help strengthen its operational capacity and infrastructure to benefit students, faculty, and staff.