ALBANY, NY – New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes (SD-22) announced on January 29 his appointment to the New York City Education Committee in the New York State Senate. Gounardes, whose districts’ schools are affected by a number of critical issues, has long been a staunch advocate of public education.
“I am honored to join the NYC Education Committee,” said Gounardes. “As a graduate of the New York City public schools, I bring to the table a valuable first-hand perspective. Making sure that our students receive a quality education was a cornerstone of my campaign and is an issue I am particularly excited to tackle legislatively in the Senate. Working on this Subcommittee is an excellent opportunity to be hands-on as we get to work to ensure the best possible education for all of our children.”
Andrew Gounardes was born and raised in Bay Ridge, and it was in Southern Brooklyn where he started his work in public service. As an aide to former City Councilmember Vincent Gentile, he helped neighbors solve everyday quality of life problems. Gounardes served as Counsel to Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and as a trustee of the New York City Employees’ Retirement System, one of the largest municipal pension funds in the country. Before serving at Borough Hall, he worked for Citizens Committee for New York City, a non-profit that provides neighborhood improvement grants to community groups across the five boroughs. He also served on Community Board 10 and is a longtime member of the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Bay Ridge.
After Superstorm Sandy, Gounardes co-founded Bay Ridge Cares, an organization that prepared 25,000 hot meals for victims after the storm. Today, the organization still supports community members facing extraordinary need by providing them with emergency assistance. As a member of the Riders Alliance, he organized and formed the Concerned R Train Riders to fight for better service and demand handicapped accessible subway stations in South Brooklyn. He helped write and pass legislation to combat dangerous home conversions and continues to work toward helping those who are displaced from unsafe living conditions.
Gounardes graduated from Fort Hamilton High School before going on to earn degrees from Hunter College and the George Washington University Law School.
District 22 comprises the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, and Gravesend, as well as portions of Sheepshead Bay, Borough Park, and Midwood.
Follow the Senator on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @agounardes.
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