Today, Presiding Justice Rolando T. Acosta announced the appointment of Ischia Bravo as the County Clerk of Bronx County, effective January 02, 2023. In her new capacity, Ms. Bravo will be responsible for the oversight of one of the state’s busiest county clerk’s offices and will serve several functions, including as Clerk of the Supreme Court, Civil Branch, Bronx County and the Commissioner of Jurors for the Supreme Court, Bronx County, for both the Civil and Criminal Branches. The appointment was made by an unanimous vote of the Appellate Division, First Department pursuant to Article 13 of the New York State Constitution.
Ischia Bravo has worked in public service for more than 15 years, most recently as District Manager for Bronx Community Board 7 since 2018. She has previously worked as Executive Director of the Bronx Democratic County Committee, with non-profit organizations, and in the offices of a U.S. Congressman and New York State Senator. She has extensive experience conducting public hearings to understand community concerns, liaising with government officials and community leaders, and managing staffs of more than 50 employees and budgets over $500,000.
Presiding Justice Rolando T. Acosta said, “The Court is pleased to appoint Ischia Bravo to the position of Bronx County Clerk following a rigorous, merit-based hiring process. I convened a committee of five Justices, which reviewed nearly 300 applications, selected eight of the most highly qualified candidates for interviews, and recommended a select few of the most impressive candidates to me.
“From that list, I interviewed the top two candidates and found Ms. Bravo to be the most highly qualified, based on her credentials as a longstanding public servant and lifelong resident of the Bronx, her clearly expressed enthusiasm for public service, and her passion for inspiring the people of Bronx County to participate in local government. I recommended Ms. Bravo to the Court, which approved her appointment unanimously.
“I would be remiss if I failed to note the historic nature of this appointment, as Ms. Bravo will be the first woman, and first Latina, to serve as Bronx County Clerk. I am hopeful that insofar as her appointment will contribute to our “gorgeois mosaic,” as former Mayor David Dinkins put it, even more residents of the Bronx will see themselves reflected in their public servants. The Court is confident that Ms. Bravo will serve honorably in her new role, will improve operations in the Bronx County Clerk’s Office and Supreme Court, and will make the people of Bronx County proud.
In addition, the Court extends its gratitude to Kevin Rothermel for serving as Acting County Clerk for the past two years. By all accounts, he has done an excellent job, and we thank him for his service.”
Upon her appointment, Ischia Bravo said, “I look forward to continuing my public service career as the Bronx County Clerk. The Bronx is not only my home, but also my passion, and the people of the Bronx need and deserve strong representation in critical roles such as this one. Growing up in public housing, I know all too well the challenges faced by Bronxites, and the feeling of being forgotten by those in power. As the Bronx County Clerk, I will do my part to change that — to lead an office where residents feel welcomed and valued. I want people to know that they are not only getting the best service, but that they deserve the best service.
“This honor is particularly special to me because I will be the first Latina to serve in this position, making this a historic appointment taking place toward the end of Hispanic Heritage Month. I want to express my gratitude to Presiding Justice Rolando T. Acosta and the Court for this honor.”
