Dennis M. Walcott

Dennis M. Walcott is President and CEO of Queens Public Library, one of the largest and busiest public library systems in the United States, dedicated to serving the most ethnically and culturally diverse urban area in the world.

Dennis was appointed in March 2016 following a lifelong career in public education and human services. The former chancellor of the New York City public school system and a deputy mayor under Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Dennis joined the Library after working as the New York State- appointed monitor of the East Ramapo School District in Rockland County, initiating a series of reforms to ensure the equitable delivery of service and opportunity to the district’s students.

Prior to working at City Hall, Dennis was the president and CEO of the New York Urban League more than 12 years and served as the Executive Director of the Harlem Dowling Westside Center. He began his career as a kindergarten teacher.

Dennis is a Queens native and a graduate of New York City public schools. He received a bachelor’s degree in sociology, and a master’s degree in education from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. He also holds a master’s degree in social work from Fordham University. Dennis and his wife Denise live in Queens, have four adult children and are grandparents.