Queens Defenders Board of Directors has appointed Anthony Martone as Interim Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer

Date:                     February 4, 2025

Contact:               press@queensdefenders.org

“The board looks forward to working closely with Mr. Martone and we are confident in his ability to lead the organization in this period of transition.” said Doneath Powell, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Through conversations between the board and the interim leadership team, members of management, attorneys, social workers, and staff members, it is clear that every member of the Queens Defenders team is resolute in their commitment to providing the highest-quality legal defense and life changing resources for the clients and communities we serve.”   

Mr. Martone will oversee all aspects of the organization with the support of the leadership team, and work closely with Ms. Hettie Powell, the organization’s Executive Director of Legal Services, Community Court & Government Relations, who will continue to oversee Queens Defenders’ Anti-Eviction Unit, Community Outreach services in Far Rockaway and Jamaica, as well as fundraising opportunities throughout the borough. The Board of Directors, Mr. Martone, and Ms. Powell have a shared commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our offices and the organization is deeply invested in cultivating an inclusive workplace where every member of our team can thrive.

Mr. Martone joined Queens Defenders in 2014 and most recently served as Queens Defenders’ Deputy Director and Director of Trials.  Prior to that role, he led the organization’s Felony Youth Defense unit and has worked as a Public Defender for 38 years. Throughout his career, Mr. Martone developed vast experience in every aspect of criminal defense including extensive trial litigation. He is dedicated to positively impacting the lives of young people involved with the criminal legal system and has founded a young adult mentorship program at the organization and personally mentored numerous young people to lead productive lives free of criminal legal system involvement.

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