David Berlin and Melvina Lathan: The New NYSAC Dynamic Duo
By Robert Brizel, Head RCM Boxing Correspondent
New York, NY (March 28th, 2014)– The New York State Athletic Commission has voted to approve the selection of David Berlin as its Executive Director, effective May 1, 2014. Mr. Berlin will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the commission, and event operations. His legal background as a sports attorney, especially in boxing, is evidence of the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to serve as Executive Director and ensure the health and safety of licensed athletes in New York State.
NYSAC Chairwoman Melvina Lathan has also served as the interim Executive Director, and is a fashion designer and noted boxing judge. In New York State, Melvina Lathan has served for a number of years as the ‘Queen Mother of Boxing’ so to speak.
Together, the combination of Berlin and Lathan represents a plethora of knowledge, wisdom and experience which will bring the New York State Athletic Commission to a whole new level of safety and procedures for doing things better than before. Together they bring over 40 years of experience in professional sports to the table. The overall performance of the commission, in my view, will be greatly enhanced.
Ms. Lathan brings a warmth to the room, and gets along with fighters and promoters with a great sense of respect. She has maintained an open door policy at the commission. In particular, she knows the sport of boxing, especially the mechanisms of the referees, judges, officials and commissions all over the world.
The positions of executive director and chairman are separate and distinct. When Luz Colon resigned as executive director several years ago to become the Secretary of State, the executive director’s position became vacant, forcing the chairman to perform double duty for the same salary. The division of roles will become clearer in the months to come.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has taken a perceptive step to fill the vacant executive director’s position for reasons of safety. The New York State Athletic Commission gains a valuable asset and addition in David Berlin, who will add valuable input at meetings and with commission procedures to insure the safety of professional athletes receives top priority.
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