Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972
"Commissioner Moczó-Santiago comes to this important job with an outstanding record of experience in the Department of Juvenile Justice and with a native New Yorker's love and understanding of our City," said Mayor Giuliani. "Even though the crime rate is down dramatically, juvenile youth crime are still major concerns for our city. Marta's leadership, vision and most importantly her considerable experience with the juvenile justice system make her uniquely qualified to lead the Department."
"Mayor Giuliani is responding in a deliberate and strategic manner to recent reports that project an increase in youth crime," said Commissioner Moczó-Santiago. "He has invited me to join his team in stemming this tide. I gratefully and enthusiastically accept the Mayor's invitation and, in turn, I invite all the necessary partners in this great city to join us in responding to the challenge."
Joining the Commissioner at this afternoon's ceremony was her husband, Arturo Santiago, their son, Manuel Joaquin Santiago-Moczó and the Commissioner's cousin, Migdalia Perez.
Commissioner Moczó-Santiago has an extensive background in criminal justice. Prior to joining DJJ in 1990, Commissioner Moczó-Santiago served as a Training Specialist for the New York City Department of Corrections Academy. Commissioner Moczó-Santiago then served as DJJ's Director of Staff Education and Training. In 1993, she was named the Department's Assistant Commissioner for Community Based Services. Commissioner Moczó-Santiago has served as DJJ's Deputy Commissioner for Operations and Detention since 1994. More recently, Commissioner Moczó-Santiago was named Acting-President of the Brooklyn Navy Yard earlier this year.
Since 1992, Ms. Moczó-Santiago has also served as a Director of the Grand Council of Hispanic Societies in Public Service. The Grand Council, which represents both City and State employees now has more than 20,000 members. The Commissioner posesses a Bachelor's degree in Social Studies and Secondary Education from the State University of New York at New Paltz and a Master of Science Degree from the State University at Albany.