Promotions, Announcements & Appointments

Kubota to take over for Grillo at SCA

Queens College graduate Nina Kubota has been named president and CEO of the School Construction Authority (SCA).

Kubota previously served as SCA’s senior vice president for Capital Plan Development & Implementation, a position she first assumed in January 2020. She has served at SCA in various roles since 1998. “I’m proud to lead an agency that keeps moving forward, constantly innovating to ensure that we design and build schools that meet the current needs KUBOTA of our students and teachers while continuing our commitment to safety, quality and integrity,” said Kubota.

Kubota replaces Queens resident Lorraine Grillo, who left the post earlier this month to become the city’s senior advisor for Recovery. Kubota will be the first Japanese American woman to lead the agency.

“Nina Kubota is a tireless public servant who knows this agency inside and out,” said Grillo. “I know she will lead this agency with the energy and vision our city’s schools deserve.”

Prior to assuming her former post, Kubota served as vice president of Capital Plan Management from 2013-2020. She has also worked in various roles at SCA’s Architecture and Engineering Department and its Administrative Services Division.

Reverend Monsignor Kieran E. Harrington of the Diocese of Brooklyn was appointed the new national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies.

The Pontifical Mission Societies are organizations under the direction of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Their purpose is the promotion of a universal missionary spirit among all baptized Catholics.

“I am thankful for this opportunity to serve the Universal Church in this national ministry to re-awaken the missionary impulse in each of us, which is at the heart of our baptismal calling,” said Monsignor Harrington.

Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn in 2001, Monsignor Harrington, was appointed Vicar for Communications in 2006 and rector

Monsignor to head Mission Societies

of the Co-Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Prospect Heights in 2008.

Since 2011, Monsignor Harrington has served as the president and chairman of DeSales Media Group, the communications and technology arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

In this role, he has overseen the diocesan newspaper, The Tablet, NET, the cable station of the Diocese, and the diocesan public information and governmental affairs offices.

From 2009 through 2018, Monsignor Harrington hosted In The Arena, a weekly program on WOR radio, which featured world-renowned HARRINGTON guests, intense debates, and compelling interviews on current topics from a Catholic cultural perspective.

“I have worked with Monsignor Harrington in many capacities for the past 17-plus years, and I know his selection for this assignment is the absolute right choice,” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

Monsignor Harrington graduated with honors from St. John’s University with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. He holds a Masters of Divinity from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception and an MBA from the New York University Stern School of Business.

He is a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, a Knight of Columbus, and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He serves on the boards of the Futures in Education Foundation, Catholic Technology Network, and Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School.

He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Saint Thomas More Award of the Catholic Lawyers Guild, the Father Mychal Judge Award at the Great Irish Fair in Brooklyn, and the John Paul II Distinguished Stewardship Award.

Jillian Michaelson has been named new director of development at Martin Luther School in Maspeth.

Born and raised in Oyster Bay, after attending college she began working in corporate America for Guardian Insurance and Ralph Lauren.

After years of living in Manhattan, Michaelson decided she wanted to make a change. An opportunity to work in special events at Mill Neck Family of Organizations opened up for her.

“From the minute Jillian walked in the door for her interview, we all felt her energy and passion for Martin Luther School,” executive director Jim Reagan. “We have a great deal of momentum here at MLS as we continue to take our small school to new levels, preparing our students not only for college, but for life.”

As the director of Events and coordinator of Development at Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, Michaelson organized four annual fundraisers, oversaw commercial rentals and film shoots, and worked in tandem with the Marketing team on newsletters and appeals.

She also worked closely with the staff at Mill Neck making sure each event highlighted the incredible students and members of their “Dayhab” adult services program.

“This was a full circle moment for me as I was now organizing the historical Apple Festival at which I once volunteered,” Michaelson said. “The relationships I have built at Mill Neck will be with me forever.”

Michaelson is excited to bring her past experiences together to expand on an already wonderful development effort at Martin Luther.

“My favorite part of working in development is the connections I get to make with the staff, students and members of our community,” she said. “Martin Luther School’s closely-knit family atmosphere and the individual attention and tailored learning each student receives here inspire me every day.”

Michaelson joins team at Martin Luther

MICHAELSON

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QEDC ANNOUNCES STARTUP! WINNERS

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CHARLY UZCATEGUI & TIM CHU

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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