Mitchell Silver became Commissioner of the NYC Department of Parks in May 2014. Silver is an internationally recognized planner and the past president of the American Planning Association. As Parks Commissioner, he oversees management, planning and operations of nearly 30,000 acres of parkland. Prior to returning to New York City, he served as Chief Planning and Development Officer for Raleigh, NC. In Raleigh, Silver led the comprehensive plan update and rewrite of the development code to create a vibrant 21st century city. Silver earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Hunter College.