In a “bittersweet” celebration, Community Board 11 welcomed a new district manager and bid farewell to the man who held the position for 31 years.
“We have a very momentous occasion happening here. It’s only the second time it’s happened here. That’s the picking of a new district manager,” board Chair William Guarinello said at the group’s meeting last week at Holy Family Home, 1740 84th Street.
The position was vacated in June when Howard Feuer, the longest-serving district manager in the history of New York City, announced his retirement.
Feuer stepped down for travel and health reasons.
“I moved to Long Island and the commute is killing me. And the operation that I had that they said wouldn’t be a problem is still a problem,” Feuer explained.
Feuer underwent back surgery last year.
“I knew this day would come. I didn’t think it would come so soon. I thought I would be 60,” Feuer said.
Guarinello said Feuer would be missed.
“He was always Johnny-on-the-spot. A little rough around the edges but he got the job done,” Guarinello said.
During the summer, the community board conducted a search for a new district manager.
There were three applicants, of which only two appeared at scheduled interviews, explained CB 11 member Frank Segretto speaking on behalf of the search committee. Of those two, the most qualified was Marnee Elias-Pavia, who has worked for the board for 10 years, four of which were as assistant district manager.
Because of her long employment with the board, Elias-Pavia said she already knows the ropes of the district manager position.
“I expect an easy transition because, effectively, I’ve been doing the job,” she said.
Presented with a bouquet of fresh flowers, Elias-Pavia celebrated her new job but said it was “bittersweet.”
“Although I’ve been appointed, I lose a district manager,” she said.
“I have some big shoes to fill,” Elias-Pavia said.
