ACTING MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS KERI BUTLER AS ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC DESIGN COMMISSION

 Today Mayor de Blasio announced Keri Butler as the Acting Executive Director of the Public Design Commission (PDC), New York City’s design review agency. Butler, who has served at PDC in various roles for 15 years, has most recently served as the agency’s Deputy Executive Director.

 

“Keri Butler brings deep experience and a forward-looking vision to the Public Design Commission,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The COVID-19 pandemic has meant our city must rely on its public spaces more than ever, and I know she’ll guide us toward creative, useful, and beautiful solutions for every New York City neighborhood.”

 

“New Yorkers deserve excellence and equity in public art and design, and I’m honored to lead this agency through a crucial moment in our city’s history,” said Keri Butler. “I look forward to enhancing the PDC’s mission and supporting innovative and sustainable designs that will improve lives and move New York City forward.”

 

“Public design is reflective of our values and must welcome all New Yorkers,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been. “With over a decade of experience, Keri has demonstrated a deep commitment to and excellent advocacy for incorporating values of equity and diversity, sustainability, and accessibility into New York City’s public design. I look forward to working with her in this new role.”

 

In addition to overseeing the PDC’s design review process, Butler has represented the Commission on panels and public events that highlight the City’s art collection and women designers. She has managed collaborative projects and events such as the Annual Awards for Excellence in Design, Women-Designed NYC, and Sustainable NYC. Additionally, Keri has worked with numerous agencies and private partners to preserve the City’s art collection and expand the City Hall tour program to highlight Black history.

 

Butler managed Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts in 2012-13 and led the Commission through the abrupt transition to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, developing online events that have increased public engagement and participation in the design review process. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art from the University of North Texas and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.