Mayor de Blasio Appoints Henry Gutman as Chair of Brooklyn Navy Yard

June 23, 2014

Henry “Hank” Gutman to lead board of City-owned industrial park

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio today 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—the leading industrial park in New York City that houses more than 300 businesses and employs 7,000 people—is owned by the City of New York and managed by the not-for-profit BNYDC. Gutman’s appointment follows Mayor 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 is a treasured asset, and with the right vision, plan and stewardship, it can continue to boost New York City’s industrial sector and innovation economy, while serving the communities surrounding it and the entire city. I have watched this complex undergo a renaissance under Alan Fishman’s superb leadership, and I look forward to working with David and his team to realize the potential of the Yard as a source of sustainable 21st Century jobs for New Yorkers,” said incoming Brooklyn Navy Yard Chair Henry Gutman.

“Hank knows Brooklyn—especially the neighborhoods surrounding the Yard—inside and out and is a great fit,” said outgoing Brooklyn Navy Yard Chair Alan Fishman. “His knowledge and experience will help guide David and the Navy Yard staff in bringing the industrial park into an extended period of growth.”

“I appreciate the insight Alan has provided and the many years he dedicated to the Yard’s growth,” said Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation President and CEO David Ehrenberg. “I am eager to begin working with Hank on developing and implementing a joint vision for the Yard—a vision to attract and grow small businesses and help local residents access good-paying jobs.”

“I thank Alan Fishman for his years of service to the Brooklyn Navy Yard and welcome Hank Gutman as its next chair,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “The Brooklyn Navy Yard embodies the best of our borough’s entrepreneurial spirit, as well as its commitment to merging our historical character, modern innovation and sustainable mindset. As the Yard continues to expand, I look forward to Hank’s leadership and vision for the future, generating the jobs and economic activity that will strengthen Brooklyn’s role as the engine driving our city forward.”

“The Brooklyn Navy Yard is a key resource for local manufacturing jobs, and knowing Hank’s long commitment, track record, and drive to improve Brooklyn, I am confident that he will shepherd the Yard to the next level of continued growth and revitalization,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez. “I am elated about his appointment and look forward to working with him as the Navy Yard’s evolution continues.”

“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.”

About Henry Gutman

Hank Gutman, a long-time Brooklyn resident, has served on the boards of a number of local civic organizations, including the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation and the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation. He previously served as board chair of the then-Brooklyn Central YMCA and led the successful capital campaign to build a new facility for what was renamed the Dodge YMCA. Gutman is also Vice-Chair of the New York League of Conservation Voters, and serves on the boards of St. Ann’s Warehouse and the Brooklyn Public Library.

Gutman has been active in a range of professional organizations over the course of his career, including the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, the Federal Bar Council and the American Intellectual Property Law Association. He was named a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, where he currently is Chair of the Complex Litigation Committee and he also served a 4-year term on the Governor’s Judicial Screening Committee for the Second Department.

Gutman and his wife Karoly have lived in Brooklyn Heights for more than 35 years, where they raised their three children.