Gov. Cuomo made it official on Wednesday, appointing David Berlin as the executive director of the New York State Athletic Commission.
Berlin, whom the Post reported Friday had emerged as the leading candidate, is an attorney who specializes in criminal defense and education law. He has deep roots in boxing, having represented several fighters and worked closely with the Dr. Theodore Atlas Foundation. Berlin will assume his post May 1 and will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the commission.
“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,” Gov. Cuomo said. “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.”
Berlin is assuming a newly created position. He will work with three commissioners, which defers from the current format where Melvina Lathan serves as chairperson and is one of three commissioners. It’s unclear the future roles of the current commissioners, though Lathan welcomed Berlin.
“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,” Lathan said in a statement.
The NYSAC regulates boxing and issues licenses related to boxing, professional boxing gyms and the promotion of professional wrestling. Its main charge is protecting the health and safety of the fighters.
Teddy Atlas, noted boxing trainer and broadcaster, applauded the announcement.
“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,” Atlas said.