Carlos Manzano Bio

Executive Director

Mr. Manzano was appointed by Mayor Bloomberg as Executive Director of the Latin Media and Entertainment Commission (LMEC) in May 2007. In this capacity, he has developed business strategies and plans based on economic development, big events, marketing, public relations, and policy to meet the mission of making New York the capital of Latin media and entertainment. To deliver on these projects, Mr. Manzano works closely with City Hall, elected and government officials, the media, professional and business associations, educational institutions, nonprofits and many other citywide and nationwide organizations.

Professional Background

His professional background includes: managing operations within public and private sectors. Accomplished spokesperson, with experience serving as a delegate for various major public programs and as a panelist at major business conferences. Public relations and marketing strategist, with a history of developing multifaceted and strategic public relations campaigns and marketing programs for citywide initiatives, business clients and major community programs. Public and government affairs professional who knows how to develop strategic plans to lobby and get results. Able to build and manage teams that coordinate cross-functionally to fulfill responsibilities in a streamlined, effective manner. Policy and project manager expert able to work in various industries and with diverse constituencies. Strong knowledge of government legislative and budgetary processes. Outstanding skills in technology development and administration.

Professional Experience

Many of these professional experiences were acquired working as an:

Independent consultant and project manager in information technology and marketing projects for businesses, elected officials and individuals.
Assistant Commissioner for the Beacons program at the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) where he managed a budget of $39.7 million and a staff of 11.
Project Coordinator for the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT) supporting the GIS system, one of the biggest projects the city has ever undertaken.
Recertifier for Section 8 Housing.
Administrative Assistant for the Board of Elections.
Instructor and Teacher's Assistant for the New York City Department of Education.

Community Service & Public and Government Affairs

He has been active on the Westside of Manhattan for over 20 years, serving on various community-based organizations such as:

Community Board 4, Area Policy Board 4 and the Clinton Seed Fund.
Student Outreach Program and Encore Senior Citizens Services.
Member of the Midtown West Business Association and strong supporter of the small businesses that helped revitalize the community in the Hell's Kitchen (Clinton) neighborhood.

He has been a strong community leader and constituent liaison handling public and government affairs, public relations, fundraising, marketing, community outreach, constituent service, advocacy, policy and legislation tracking, research, and volunteers’ recruitment. He lobbied local, state and national elected and government officials to support specific legislations and to ensure community input throughout the process.

His professional and public service contributions have been recognized by New York University (Bart Lawson Award), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Queens Borough President's Office, Verizon Hispanic Group, the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival, the Puerto Rican Family Foundation, Colombia Exterior and the Metropolitan Police Officers Association from Washington, D.C. As a New York media executive, he was selected to travel to Israel with a nationwide delegation of U.S. Hispanic leaders from the media and entertainment industry.

He has been a speaker at schools and colleges: Norman Thomas High School, Martin Luther King High School, Park West High School, Newcomers High School, Queens College, Hunter College, City College, TCI College of Technology and New York University. In 2002 and 2005, he served as "Principal for a Day" through the "Pencil" program.

Education

He holds an M.S. in Public Relations and Corporate Communications and an M.P.A. in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy, both from New York University (NYU). He also holds a B.A. from Queens College.

He's a certified Project Manager Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute and NYU.