The New York City Department of Environmental Protection on Tuesday appointed Drisana C. Hughes as Borough Commissioner for Brooklyn to serve as a chief liaison for community members, stakeholders and elected officials.
The newly created position will strengthen community engagement and enhance coordination between DEP and city residents, according to a press release.
Prior to joining DEP, she served in the White House as a special assistant for Economic Mobility and Racial Justice and Equity.
Her career includes managing multiple political campaigns with Stu Loeser & Co., serving as deputy campaign manager for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and working as an organizing director for Scott Stringer’s mayoral campaign. Hughes holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Harvard University.
Hughes will work closely with elected officials, community boards, neighborhood associations, environmental groups and cultural organizations to address local concerns. They will also collaborate with city, state and federal agencies to facilitate service delivery and support DEP initiatives.
The key focus areas for Borough Commissioners include advancing critical capital projects to mitigate flooding, monitoring air and noise pollution and assisting property owners with DEP-related matters. The appointments come as part of DEP’s broader strategy to improve communication and responsiveness across all five boroughs.
Brooklyn-related inquiries can be directed to [email protected] and [email protected].