Elections were held on August 5 and conducted by the Election Committee Chair, Patrick Toner. Members of the Election Committee also included Theresa Yuan and Carlos Obando. Minutes from the election can be found, here.
Meet the MEA elected officers for the upcoming 2025 – 2027 term.
Darrell Sims recently retired as Deputy Director for the Bureau of Multifamily Design Review Services at the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). In his role as Director-at-Large, he is a conduit to the MEA, reporting any issues members might have and ensuring they receive all MEA member benefits in an acceptable manner. Mr. Sims began his career working at HPD in 1980. At the time of employment, Darrell simply thought of his job as a means of working his way out of living in a dormitory at Columbia University and being able to afford an apartment. He had just completed graduate school with a Master’s Degree in Architecture. Darrell became committed to the work he was performing. After being awarded a fellowship, he was granted an educational leave of absence and returned to Columbia University to attain a Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development where he gained invaluable knowledge in real estate development. Mr. Sims is the first African American registered architect to be employed by HPD and has been a member of the MEA since 1996.
Keyala Crawford has over 20 years of experience in New York State and City civil service. She is a graduate of John Jay College, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in Inspection and Oversight. Currently, Keyala serves as a Program Administrator in the Office of Program Development and Implementation at the New York City Department of Homeless Services (NYC DHS). In addition to her role in public service, she is an adjunct professor of Criminal Justice and Human Service at Monroe University (Bronx Campus), where she shares her expertise and knowledge with the next generation of professionals. With a strong commitment to public service, education, and social justice, Keyala Crawford continues to make a significant impact in both government and academia.
Peter Kontogiannis is a Manager with the Department of Environmental Protection in the Office of Engineering Audits. He began his career with the City of New York in 2013 as a manager in the Build it Back Program. Before working for the City, Peter was in the Aerospace Industry for nine years working on Quality Assurance and Process Improvement Projects. He wants his colleagues in the City to know the value of MEA membership and the resources & benefits (both through the MEA and as a City Manager) that are available to them. Peter received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Management Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is certified by the American Society of Quality as a Six Sigma Black Belt and as a Quality Auditor. In addition, he is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of New York.
The Retirees Chapter Assistant Director for Membership, Sam Borkow is a retired Deputy Commissioner of the HRA Office of Investigation, Revenue and Enforcement Administration and has a longstanding connection with the MEA. He joined MEA in 1990. Mr. Borkow works to innovate new ways to recruit members into the MEA. “I’m very proud that I was an intergral part of the recruitment process,” says Mr. Borkow. His tenure in HRA spans 45 years – beginning as a caseworker at the St. Nicholas Income Maintenance Center. In 2005, he was appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner and served until his retirement in 2013. As Director-At-Large, Mr. Borkow will endeavor to improve benefits for all members and managers alike.
James Durrah.