Alliance for Coney Island Appoints New Executive Director From Brownsville Nonprofit

Daniel Murphy has taken over as executive director of the Alliance for Coney Island, the organization announced late last year.

“It’s both an honor and a great opportunity for me to join the team at the Alliance for Coney Island and continue ACI’s mission of supporting our neighborhood’s small businesses, community-based organizations, and residential communities as they work together to keep world-famous Coney Island one of the most the welcoming and fun places in the world to live, work and visit,” Murphy said in a statement.

The Alliance is known for enhancing the Brooklyn peninsula year-round by connecting small businesses with economic development groups, hosting community events, and other advocacy projects – a mission Murphy said he looks forward to continuing in his new position.

According to the Alliance, Murphy comes from the Pitkin Avenue Business Improvement District in Brownsville, where he oversaw company growth through various initiatives.

In 2022, the local partnership marked triumphant returns, bringing back many of Coney Island’s favorite events after a tumultuous few years caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Sponsors were able to help bring back the annual sand sculpting contest and summer series of firework shows — all while introducing new events like the first yearly classic car show.

Such events came under the leadership of Alexandria Silversmith, former executive director of the Alliance for Coney Island. Silversmith left the team in September and now serves as the vice president of Government Affairs and External Relations for NYC and Company, a marketing organization and tourism agency for all five boroughs.

Murphy steps up to the plate as the Alliance prepares for another year of popular events at the People’s Playground.

“On behalf of the board of directors, we are excited to welcome Daniel as our new executive director,” Alliance for Coney Island Chairman and Brooklyn Cyclones President Steve Cohen said in a statement. “He brings experience and enthusiasm with a fresh perspective needed during this transition. We look forward to working with Daniel and seeing how he will help to further advance the mission of the organization.”

Editor’s note: A version of this story originally ran in Brooklyn Paper. Click here to see the original story.

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