Long Island City Partnership Appoints New President

Laura Rothrock, pictured, has been appointed as the new president of the Long Island City Partnership (Photo courtesy of LICP and iStock)

Aug. 19, 2022 By Christian Murray

The Long Island City Partnership has named a new president, taking over the position that was held by Liz Lusskin who left the organization in May after a 9-year stint.

Laura Rothrock, a development strategist who has been a consultant with the partnership since March 2021, is viewed an expert when it comes to the inner workings of Business Improvement Districts.

She was in charge of the NYC Dept. of Small Business Services BID program at one time and has most recently worked at a government affairs firm representing clients on issues pertaining to real estate and economic development.

Rothrock, in her new role, will also oversee the LICP Business Improvement District, which covers the commercial areas of Queens Plaza/Court Square as well as portions of Hunters Point.

“Laura’s knowledge on the inner workings of Business Improvement Districts—which spans her entire career—is unmatched,” said David Brause, the chair of the LICP and president of Brause Realty. “She has championed strategic, impactful work for BIDS of all sizes, including our own, and we look forward to leveraging her many strengths as she takes the helm at both the Partnership and the LIC BID.”

Rothrock worked for NYC Small Business Services from 2008 to 2012 where she served as Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s representative for nearly 70 BIDs across the city. She also helped new BIDS form—or expand—through the legislative approval process. She also helped ensure that BIDs were in compliance with governing documents including legal mandates and corporate governance procedures.

Since 2013, Rothrock has worked as an executive at Nicholas & Lence Communications, a government affairs and communications firm, where she has represented clients in the transportation, real estate, infrastructure and economic development sectors.

She has been working with the LICP over the past year spearheading the partnership’s strategic planning efforts for the organization’s Business Improvement District.

Rothrock said that her experience has provided her with the background needed to excel in the position.

“I have advocated for New York City’s diverse neighborhoods and organizations for the majority of my career, so this opportunity comes as a full circle moment,” Rothrock said in a statement. “I believe in the power of business improvement districts to advance opportunities across industry sectors and enliven neighborhoods for residents, visitors and workers.”

Kevin Kim, the commissioner of NYC Small Business Services, complimented the partnership for its selection.

“Laura is a proven champion of community development, and the SBS congratulates her and the Long Island City community on this exciting engagement,” Kim said. “We are eager to see Laura bring her years of experience overseeing the City’s BID program at SBS to Long Island City Partnership and the LIC Business Improvement District. SBS looks forward to working with Laura in this new capacity.”