MEA member, Laurence Major Jr., represented the NYC Parks & Recreation Emerald Society as their 2025 Grand Marshal at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year.
Laurence has been with NYC Parks & Recreation for over 39 years and currently is the Regional Manager for Brooklyn South, overseeing neighborhood parks throughout Bensonhurst, Brighton Beach, Coney Island, Gravesend, Sheepshead Bay and Manhattan Beach. Laurence started in 1987 with Brooklyn’s Technical Trades Shop and later for Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Julius Spiegel as Director of Capital Projects & Planning. He was promoted to Administrative Park & Recreation Manager in 2002, with oversight of the maintenance & operations of neighborhood parks, playgrounds, beaches and Sheepshead Bay Piers and Marina throughout South and East Brooklyn. In 2013, Laurence led the Brooklyn Technical Trade Shops as well as Brooklyn’s 14 outdoor pools. In 2018, he was promoted to Regional Manager, interfacing with local business stakeholders, community and local elected leaders while promoting events and community outreach in parks throughout South Brooklyn.
For nearly 15 years, Laurence has served as the Chapter Director for NYC Parks on the MEA Executive Board – which aims to provide advocacy and protection of civil service rights. The NYC Parks Chapter has over 70 active managerial members throughout all broughs.
As a third-generation resident from Canarsie, Laurence now resides in Malverne with his wife Jennifer, daughter Carolyn, fraternal twin sons Brian & Luke and their beloved Labrador/Pointer, Marley Jane. Laurence is active in his community with the Malverne Little League Baseball, a proud supporter for both sons’ local high school sports, a former Scouting America Den Leader and Logistics Coordinator for Cub Scouts Pack 24, and a participant with the Village’s beautification events throughout the year. Laurence is also an active member promoting education and youth sports programs with the Marbletown Sportsman’s Club in Ulster County, NY.
