In a move that underscores its commitment to social justice and community-focused leadership, CUNY School of Law, in their recent announcement, has appointed Professor Gregorio Mayers, Esq., to its prestigious Board of Visitors. With over two decades of experience spanning law, academia, and public service, Mayers is set to bring a unique and valuable perspective to the institution’s governance.
Expertise in Law, Policy, and Civil Rights
Mayers’ extensive résumé includes roles as an attorney, federal mediator, strategic consultant, and tenured professor, with expertise in criminal law, administrative law, and public policy. His contributions to the field of civil rights, particularly in areas like bail reform, have made him a highly regarded figure in the legal and academic communities.
Distinguished Academic and Public Service Record
Currently serving as a tenured professor of Law and Government at Medgar Evers College, Mayers is known for his focused instruction on criminal law, administrative law, and state and local government. His experience as an educator is complemented by a significant public service record, including two terms as a senior policy advisor in New York City’s mayoral office. In that role, he managed key portfolios, including education, youth development, housing, and small business services.
Recognized Leadership and Community Engagement
Mayers’ dedication to public service has not gone unnoticed. Recently, he was nominated by Governor Kathy Hochul to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Board of Directors and appointed as Commissioner for the Local Conditional Release Commission. Both roles highlight his ongoing commitment to criminal justice reform and community engagement.
A Grateful Alumnus Returns to Serve
Reflecting on his appointment, Mayers expressed gratitude for the foundation laid by his alma mater, stating, “I’m grateful for the legal education and preparation I received at CUNY Law to be trained as a public interest lawyer. I am delighted to be able to share my professional and lived experiences from the public and private sectors with the Board of Visitors.”
Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright ’92, Chair of the Board of Visitors, welcomed Mayers to the team, “Gregorio Mayers, Esq., brings extensive experience in government, higher education, and private practice to the Board of Visitors. As a professor, former department chair, voting rights advocate, and city government executive, he will provide unique input and perspective to our important work. His appointment is a marvelous stroke of good fortune for CUNY Law.”
Political Advocacy and Broader Impact
Beyond academia and government, Mayers has also been a key figure in political advocacy, assisting in the campaigns of candidates for Civil and Supreme Court positions, as well as legislative roles at the state and federal levels. His ability to navigate the intersection of law, politics, and public policy will undoubtedly provide CUNY Law’s Board of Visitors with a fresh and impactful perspective.
photo by Roger Archer Phaats Photos – Greg Mayers with some Judicial Candidates he has provided strategic advice and consultation on the nomination and election process. (left to right) Abayomi Ajaiyeoba Whinti, Keisha Alleyne, Norma Jennings, Greg Mayers, Adam Perlmutter, Sharen Hudson
Praise from Lawmakers and Peers
NYC Newswire spoke to New York lawmakers about the appointment, and the sentiments were all positive, confirming this as a great appointment for CUNY Law School.
Senator Jamaal Bailey, who represents New York’s 36th State Senate District, stated,
“Greg Mayers brings an invaluable blend of legal expertise, dedication to social justice, and deep-rooted ties to CUNY as a professor, which will serve as a powerful asset to the CUNY Law School Board. His longstanding commitment to education and community advocacy promises to enrich the Board’s vision and inspire the next generation of leaders at CUNY Law.”
“Greg is a man of great principle and political insight” shared Assemblymember Nikki Lucas, “It is for this reason that he serves as my strategic advisor as I serve the 60th Assembly district.”
Assembly Member Harvey Epstein, representing the East Side of Manhattan, highlighted Mayers’ unique qualifications, “Greg Mayers is an outstanding alumnus who exemplifies the very best of CUNY Law. His appointment to the CUNY Law School Board is a tremendous asset to the school. With over 30 years of experience, including his time as a professor, Greg brings a deep understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities of faculty and students, as well as a unique ability to bridge gaps within the community.”
Epstein added, “I have witnessed Greg’s dedication firsthand, from his impactful work in the Mayor’s Office to inspiring students and supporting the election of exceptional judges. I am confident he will be an active and engaged board member, helping the law school grow, fundraise, and further its mission of social justice while serving the needs of its students. His leadership will undoubtedly strengthen the institution and elevate its impact.”
New York State Senator Kevin Parker from Brooklyn’s 21st Senate District commended the appointment, “The appointment of Gregorio Mayers to the CUNY Law Board of Visitors is an excellent choice. He has been a prominent leader in our community for many years. Gregorio’s work as a professor empowering students at CUNY Medgar Evers College, along with his civic endeavors to elect some of the brightest minds in our state to the judiciary, among other things, underscore his significant impact beyond his Central Brooklyn community. It is fitting that he has been appointed to one of the nation’s leading public interest law schools, as he has dedicated much of his life to public service—whether as a senior advisor to the Mayor at city hall or through his appointments on various municipal and state boards that positively influence people’s lives. I am eager to see what the future holds for him as he seeks to enrich the legal education of CUNY Law students who aspire to practice law in service of human needs.”
Mayers’ appointment was lauded by New York State Senator, Leroy Connie, from the 14th Senatorial District in Queens, “Greg Mayers’ appointment to the CUNY Law School Board is a perfect fit, given his dedication to empowering the next generation of legal professionals. As a CUNY Law alumnus, he understands the transformative impact of this institution, and as a professor at Medgar Evers College, he consistently inspires students to reach their highest potential. His expertise as a political consultant, helping attorneys and judges elevate their careers, adds a valuable perspective that will undoubtedly strengthen the board’s mission to cultivate leaders in the legal field.”
Embodying Service and Leadership
A proud Brooklynite, Mayers lives with his wife, Onida Coward Mayers, a government relations executive, and their children, Carlos and Lavoneia. His personal and professional journey exemplifies the values of service and leadership that CUNY Law seeks to instill in its students.
Strengthening CUNY Law’s Mission
As Mayers assumes his new role, his wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to justice are poised to strengthen CUNY Law’s mission of empowering diverse communities through legal education and advocacy.
News Distributed by NYC Newswire
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