Congratulations! We are delighted to welcome James Durrah, Sam Borkow, and Evelyn Marrero to the MEA Executive Board as representatives for the Retirees Chapter. James Durrah is the Chapter Director, Sam Borkow is the Assistant Chapter Director, and Evelyn Marrero is the Recording Secretary.
If you are interested in running for one of the leadership positions – Chapter Director, Assistant Chapter Director, and Recording Secretary – be sure to contact the office. This is a great opportunity to get involved in the fight to protect your rights! Spread the word about membership to any of your colleagues who are not members, for we are stronger in numbers.
James Durrah
Assistant Commissioner (retired)
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
James Durrah’s career with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) spans over four decades, exemplifying his leadership, integrity, and unwavering dedication to public health. His key roles, from overseeing the DOHMH Central Office Building Facility to serving as Assistant Commissioner for Operations, Facilities & Police, demonstrate his expertise in managing large-scale operations and complex regulatory environments. As Facility Manager of an 800,000 sq. ft. building, he launched the first Agency Inmate Central Medical Record Facility Library and managed a $20M citywide pharmaceutical purchasing program for prisons. As Assistant Commissioner, he managed capital budgets for green-certified buildings and oversaw contracts and purchases totaling over $30-50M annually, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence. Beyond his professional life, James has made an indelible mark on his community. He serves as Board Chair of Brooklyn Neighborhood Services, is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Bethany Baptist Church, Brooklyn Bedford Stuyvesant Lions Club, and Bike New York, and volunteers for the NYC Marathon. His public health experience has been instrumental in advocating for safer bike lanes, pest control, and promoting healthy habits throughout the city. James is also deeply committed to his family. He is married to Rev. Dr. Valerie Oliver Durrah, and together they have two children, William Oliver Durrah and Brooke Durrah. He also has a son, Jeffery Durrah. His dedication to service, both professionally and personally, reflects his character and commitment to uplifting those around him.
Sam Borkow
Deputy Commissioner (retired)
Human Resources Administration
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.
Evelyn Marrero
Principal Financial Investigator
Manhattan District Attorney Office
An employee of the NY County DA’s office, Evelyn joined the NYC MEA in March 2010 as a member of the Municipal Chapter. She was elected to the role of Assistant Chapter Director in 2012 and continued until 2018, when she became Chapter Director. As an active member of the MEA, she worked on various committees, including the 1st Annual Hero’s Dinner and the MEA 50th Anniversary Celebration. In 2016, the MEA awarded Evelyn the ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ for her work with the MEA. In 2022, with 40+ years of civil service, she retired and became a member of the NYC MEA Retiree’s Chapter. In June 2011, she began her Toastmaster journey as a Charter member of the MEA sponsored Toastmasters club – T.I.P. Club. Evelyn achieved the highest award in Toastmasters – Distinguished Toastmaster in 2018. During 2022, she was elected as District 46 Director, overseeing the management of over 100 Toastmaster clubs with an excess of 2000 members in NY. Today, she is an active member of 5 clubs and holds club officer roles in 4 of the clubs. Born, raised and currently living in Brooklyn, Evelyn is also an active member of her Parish as a Lector and a member of the choir. Married for over 40 years, she has 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren (with #10 on the way).