June 24, 2014
By Stephanie West
New York, NY — Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced the appointment of Henry (Hank) B. Gutman, a long-time Brooklyn resident, civic leader, and accomplished attorney, as chairman of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC). The Brooklyn Navy Yard is the leading industrial park in New York City and houses more than 300 businesses employing 7,000 people.
The city owns and manages the not-for-profit BNYDC. Gutman’s appointment follows de Blasio’s appointment of David Ehrenberg as BNYDC president and CEO in April.
“The Brooklyn Navy Yard is one of the most dynamic economic engines in our city, creating good jobs and helping launch new companies that keep New York City at the center of the innovation economy. No one understands this better than Hank Gutman. Whether spearheading efforts to develop Brooklyn Bridge Park or working to expand the Brooklyn Central YMCA as its board chair, Hank has always worked to ensure partnerships between government and the private sector reflect and serve the interest of our neighborhoods and our city. I look forward to seeing him take his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to serving New Yorkers to the next level as Brooklyn Navy Yard chairman,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard has been a key resource for manufacturing jobs in the Big Apple. Its a treasured asset that has
generated thousands of jobs and a tremendous amount of economic activity.
Most economist and community leaders agree that the Yard will continue to be an important economic engine to New York City and State.
“Hank Gutman is one of the most community-minded and dedicated citizens of Brooklyn,” said Council Member Steve Levin. “I have had the privilege of serving together with Hank on the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation Board, and I look forward to working with him in his new role as Brooklyn Navy Yard Chair.”
