For Immediate Release
Contact: Lauren Mannerberg, 929-553-7702, lauren@anatgerstein.com
Outgoing Chair Randy Mastro Passes the Torch After 8 Years of Service
New York, NY (December 18, 2024) – Today, Citizens Union announced the election of John Avlon as their new Board Chair. Avlon, an accomplished journalist, author, civic leader, and former congressional candidate, succeeds Randy Mastro, who has served with distinction as Chair since 2016. Avlon was elected unanimously by the boards of Citizens Union and Citizens Union Foundation.
“It’s an honor to be unanimously elected to serve as the next chairman of Citizens Union, the oldest good government group in New York,” said Avlon. “I’ve been a member of the board for 20 years, and the need for a strong and independent union of citizens focusing on honest government and fair elections has never been greater in our city and state. This is especially true at a time when ethical clouds swirl around City Hall with a crucial election coming up next fall. I’m also committed to ensuring that Citizens Union remains involved at the statewide level, both in Albany while increasing our presence on Long Island where I recently ran for Congress. We need a new reform era in New York, and I look forward to working with the board and staff to increase Citizens Union’s impact in the months and years ahead.”
Under Randy Mastro’s leadership, Citizens Union has been at the forefront of efforts to improve voter participation, strengthen ethics in government, and advocate for a fair redistricting process.
“Serving as Chair of Citizens Union has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Mastro. “I am proud of all we have accomplished together and have every confidence that John will take this incredible organization to new heights. His passion for public service and commitment to the principles that have guided this organization for well over a century make him the perfect leader for this moment.”
Betsy Gotbaum, Executive Director of Citizens Union, welcomed Avlon’s election, expressing excitement about the organization’s future under his leadership.
“John Avlon is a visionary leader who understands the importance of building trust in our democracy,” said Gotbaum. “We are deeply grateful to Randy for his outstanding service, and we look forward to working with John to ensure that Citizens Union continues to be a force for good government in New York.”
Avlon brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to Citizens Union’s mission of fostering transparency, accountability, and good governance in New York City and State. An award-winning journalist and author, he recently worked as a senior political analyst and anchor at CNN. Previously, he served as Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Beast and Chief Speechwriter for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani during the attacks of 9/11. This fall, Avlon ran for congress in New York’s first congressional district. He is the author of four books, including Washington’s Farewell and Lincoln & the Fight for Peace. He is married to Margaret Hoover, the host of PBS’s Firing Line, and they have two children – Jack and Toula Lou.
About Citizens Union
For over 125 years, Citizens Union has been a force for reform, accountability, and ethics in New York City and State government. A nonpartisan organization, our current priorities include advocating for moving local elections to even-numbered years to boost voter turnout, strengthening ethics oversight and enforcement, and ensuring a judicious Charter Revision process. Learn more at www.citizensunion.org.
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