Albany, NY - March 27, 2014 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the appointment of David Berlin to serve as Executive Director of the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC). Mr. Berlin’s appointment was unanimously approved by the NYSAC Board this afternoon. As Executive Director, Mr. Berlin will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Commission, including the administrative and event-driven functions. He will assume the role on May 1, 2014.
NYSAC has sole jurisdiction over all aspects of professional boxing and sparring matches conducted in New York State and over the issuance of all licenses related to boxing, professional boxing gyms, and the promotion of professional wrestling. The Commission is committed to protecting the health and safety of its licensed athletes and is a division of the New York State Department of State.
“With more than a decade of experience in the boxing industry, David Berlin will bring a wealth of knowledge to the New York State Athletic Commission,” said Governor Cuomo. “For the past three years, New York has recruited some of the best and brightest into state government, and David more than qualifies as an expert in his field. I welcome him to the administration and look forward to working with him to continue New York’s rich boxing tradition.”
“The addition of David Berlin as Executive Director furthers the Commission's mission to promote the sports of boxing and wrestling with innovative ideas, look after the health and safety of athletes, and ensure New York remains as a top host for great athletic events,” said New York Secretary of State Cesar A. Perales. “I look forward to his contributions to the Commission.”
“I’d like to welcome David Berlin, a boxing person through and through, to the New York State Athletic Commission family,” said NYSAC Chairwoman Melvina Lathan. “We are excited to have him on board as he will be a great leader and an asset in our continuing efforts to improve operations and make New York a marquee state for the sport of boxing.”
“Boxing is a tough sport and difficult business – it is also a magnificent and life-redeeming craft and vocation when properly administered,” said Teddy Atlas, renowned boxing trainer and television analyst. “David Berlin’s appointment as the new Executive Director for NYSAC means fighters and the sport will be served and cared for in the best possible way.”
Berlin, a lawyer, has represented boxers, trainers, managers and promoters. He has also authored boxing-related pieces for various outlets on the legal issues surrounding the sport of boxing, and has a contract with the American Bar Association to write a book entitled “Boxing and the Law.” Additionally, since 2004, he has served as Counsel and Member of the Board of Directors for The Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation, a not-for-profit founded by commentator and trainer Teddy Atlas.
Since 1999, Berlin has been in private practice with specialties in boxing, criminal defense and special education law. Prior to that, he spent nearly a decade as a Staff Attorney at the Criminal Defense Division of the Legal Aid Society.
Berlin is a graduate of Princeton University and has a J.D. from the New York University School of Law.
