Day: December 18, 2024

U.S. Attorney Breon Peace announced Wednesday that he will step aside as attorney for the Eastern District of New York, with his last day of service in the Brooklyn-based post being Jan. 10, 2025.

Peace, a Brooklyn native who has held the position since October 2021, will be succeeded by First Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Pokorny, who is set to assume the role as acting U.S. Attorney after he leaves. She will remain in the role until incoming President-elect Donald Trump appoints a successor; the U.S. Senate must also confirm that appointee.

Peace, whom President Joe Biden appointed to the Eastern District role, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the office and serve the district’s diverse population in a heartfelt statement.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as United States Attorney, to be at the forefront in protecting the over eight million residents of this great district from harm, in upholding the rule of law and promoting civil rights and dignity for all people,” Pease said in a statement.

Peace noted the rewarding nature of public service and the privilege of working alongside talented prosecutors and staff throughout his tenure.

“I have had the singularly rewarding experience of being called to public service and leadership in a district that is filled with people of different backgrounds and life experiences – yet share a common bond of humanity,” he said. “Throughout my tenure, I have also had the good fortune to work with some of the most talented prosecutors and staff to be found anywhere in the country and this district and our nation are the better for their skill, sacrifice and service.”

As Peace prepares to exit, he shared his confidence in the ethical standards and efforts of the office. 

“I will always be grateful for the extraordinary work we have done together in furthering our mission, doing the right thing always, and in achieving justice with honor and integrity,” he said. 

It is common for sitting U.S. attorneys to resign ahead of a new, incoming presidential administration. Last week, Peace’s counterpart in the Manhattan-based Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, officially stepped down from his post. 

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Winter Gala on Dec. 17, celebrating a championship year for both Brooklyn and the borough’s booming business community.

Held at the El Caribe Country Club in Mill Basin, the event honored the WNBA champion New York Liberty for securing their first title in franchise history.

Ahead of the gala, Brooklyn Chamber President and CEO Randy Peers called 2024 a “banner year for Brooklyn.”

“One of many high points was the New York Liberty’s resounding championship win,” he said. “At this year’s gala, we are proud to honor the Liberty, BSE Global, and also highlight some of the many small businesses that are driving Brooklyn’s incredible economic growth and development.”

The Liberty’s victory capped off a season of high hopes, culminating in their ascension as 2024 WNBA World Champions. Keia Clarke, the team’s CEO, expressed her gratitude to the community.

“This Championship is not only for our team and New York City – it’s for all Liberty Loyals and our Brooklyn community who has embraced us wholeheartedly since we began playing at Barclays Center,” Clarke said ahead of the Chamber event. “This was a special year for the Liberty. We are so proud to be your 2024 WNBA World Champions, and we look forward to continuing to work together to make this community even stronger.”

The gala was more than just a celebration of sports glory. The annual gathering also spotlighted the borough’s entrepreneurial spirit — and some of its biggest players.

Other honorees included Avremy Scheinfeld of Abe’s Corner in Crown Heights, Fany Garson of La Newyorkina in Red Hook, Jennifer Wong and Santos Agustin of Gone to the Dogs in Park Slope, and Keishon Warren of BKLYN Blend, which has locations in Flatbush and Bed-Stuy.

Gregg Bishop, executive director of the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation’s Social Justice Fund, was also honored alongside Clarke for his efforts in championing equity and community initiatives.

The Winter Gala drew a crowd of more than 600 attendees, including State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Kevin Parker; Assembly Members Jo Anne Simon and Lester Chang; Council Members Chris Banks, Farrah Louis, Mercedes Narcisse, and Susan Zhuang; New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Andrew Kimball; and New York City Small Business Services Commissioner Dynishal Gross.

The evening featured a trade expo and dinner, where officials reflected on 2024 and looked ahead to 2025.