Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Kim Serafin (212) 788-2958
This new agency is a consolidation of the Department of Youth Services (DYS) and the Community Development Agency (CDA) which perform many of the same functions. The new agency is structured to provide superior services in a swifter and more efficient manner. Since these two agencies often contract for similar services with the same not-for-profit providers, consolidation also allows for uniformity and efficiency in the contracting process.
"In consolidating these two agencies we are taking another step to streamline City government, " said Mayor Giuliani. "And in appointing Martin Oesterreich to lead the new agency, we have the benefit of over 20 years of proven management skills. Not only does he initiate ideas, Martin's record proves that he implements the projects effectively and expeditiously."
"I want to thank the Mayor for this opportunity to continue my career in this very exciting and important area of youth and community development," said Mr. Oesterreich. "The Mayor has made it clear that he expects an efficient agency with fresh new ideas and I'm looking forward to meeting this challenge."
Prior to his appointment in 1995 as Deputy Commissioner for Operations, Mr. Oesterreich spent over 20 years in the Department of Employment in various management positions where he dealt with work force development, economic development, employment and training issues. Within the Department, he has managed the Dislocated Worker, Industry and Business Specific Training contract management units.
Oesterreich is a 30-year resident of Staten Island. He and his wife Karen have been married for 24 years and have three children. He is a veteran of Vietnam, where he was awarded the Purple Heart.
Diane McGrath-McKechnie, the former commissioner of CDA, was recently appointed by the Mayor as Chairperson of the Taxi and Limousine Commission.