Laura Rothrock Named President of Long Island City Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sierra Brown | sbrown@licpartnership.org | (718) 705-9941
Long Island City, New York (August 18, 2022) – The Long Island City Partnership (LICP) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Laura Rothrock as its new president. Rothrock, a noted economic development strategist, will also serve as the executive director of the Long Island City Business Improvement District (LIC BID), which is managed by LICP.
“I have advocated for New York City’s diverse neighborhoods and organizations for the majority of my career, so this opportunity comes as a full-circle moment,” said Laura Rothrock. “I believe in the power of business improvement districts to advance opportunities across industry sectors and enliven neighborhoods for residents, visitors and workers. Long Island City is one of the most dynamic communities in the nation and I look forward to leveraging my experience to create measurable impact for those we serve.”
“The executive committee searched for someone who could grasp the complexities of our uniquely mixed-use community and lead with integrity and passion,” said Patricia Dunphy, board chair, LICP and senior vice president, Rockrose. “In Laura, we’ve found that someone, and we are confident that Laura can guide Long Island City into its next chapter of growth.”
Rothrock joins LICP with almost 20 years of experience in economic development, with roles ranging from policy analysis and advocacy to business development and communications. She has particular experience working with the city’s business improvement districts; she launched her post-graduate career at the New York City Department of Small Business Services, eventually becoming the BID Program’s executive director. In this role, she oversaw its $100 million contract management portfolio, and served as Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s representative for nearly 70 BIDs across the five boroughs.
“Laura’s knowledge on the inner workings of Business Improvement Districts – which spans her entire career – is unmatched. She has championed strategic, impactful work for BIDs of all sizes, including our own, and we look forward to leveraging her many strengths as she takes the helm at both the Partnership and the LIC BID,” said David Brause, board chair, LIC BID and president, Brause Realty.
Since 2013, Rothrock has worked as an executive at Nicholas & Lence Communications, a government affairs and communications firm, where she represents clients across transportation, real estate, infrastructure, economic development and tourism industries.
Since March 2021, Rothrock has worked directly with LICP as a consultant, spearheading LIC BID strategic planning efforts. The opportunity has provided her with considerable background on the landscape of Long Island City – critical to navigating one of the country’s most mixed-use districts.
Additional quotes are noted below. Rothrock’s headshot can be downloaded here.
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“Laura Rothrock is a smart and talented leader who has the experience and know-how to lead Long Island City Partnership and the LIC Business Improvement District in their efforts to develop Long Island City as a thriving industrial, commercial, residential, and cultural mixed-use community,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “I congratulate Laura on her appointment and commend her for taking on this important job. I greatly look forward to working with her on helping Long Island City reach its fullest potential.”
“Laura is a proven champion of community development, and the SBS team congratulates her and the Long Island City community on this exciting announcement,” said NYC Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. ”We are eager to see Laura bring her years of experience overseeing the City’s BID program at SBS to Long Island City Partnership and the LIC Business Improvement District. SBS looks forward to working with Laura in this new capacity.”
“It is a pleasure to welcome Laura to Queens, where I know she will excel in her new role and join a cadre of dedicated business and nonprofit leaders working day in and day out to promote the vibrancy and dynamism of our great borough and help it soar to heights in the years ahead, ” said Thomas J. Grech, president & CEO, Queens Chamber of Commerce.
“Laura is well-known throughout the city for her commitment to tackling challenging problems faced by diverse Business Improvement Districts,” said Bishop Mitchell Taylor, co-founder & CEO of Urban Upbound. “I am thrilled that she has been selected to lead Long Island City Partnership and the Long Island City BID. Urban Upbound looks forward to our continued alliance with both organizations and witnessing Laura’s expertise and leadership in action.”
“Long Island City Partnership is hiring a rock star with Laura Rothrock. We will forever be thankful for the role Laura played over the last nine years to help build NLC as a firm that understands and values BIDs in all five boroughs. We are proud of the recognition of Laura’s talents and know she will make a terrific President. We wish her only the best and thank the LIC Partnership for ensuring a smooth transition and look forward to our continued relationship," said Cristyne Nicholas & George Lence, founders of Nicholas & Lence Communications.
About Long Island City Partnership:
Long Island City Partnership (LICP) is the neighborhood development organization for Long Island City. LICP’s mission is to advocate for economic development that benefits the area’s industrial, commercial, tech, cultural, tourism, and residential sectors. The goal is to attract new businesses to LIC, retain those already here, welcome new residents and visitors, and promote a vibrant and authentic mixed-use community. LICP also operates the LIC Business Improvement District and LIC Industrial Business Zone (LIC IBZ), providing business services and assistance.
About The Long Island City Business Improvement District:
The Long Island City Business Improvement District (LIC BID) serves a diverse and growing community. Created in 2005, the original LIC BID encompassed the commercial corridors along Queens Plaza and Jackson Avenue to Court Square. In 2017 the BID expanded to include the commercial corridors continuing along Jackson Avenue, Vernon Boulevard, and 44th Drive. Managed by the Long Island City Partnership, the BID provides supplementary sanitation, horticulture and visitor services within the District, and carries out community development and marketing initiatives that benefit the neighborhood.