Michael Arvanites

Michael is a native Staten Islander, serving as Staten Island’s Trustee to the City University of New York; having been unanimously approved by the State Senate. The Board of Trustees provides oversight for half a million students faculty and staff at 25 campuses; including our College of Staten Island. He is the Head Surveyor for the New York City Board of Elections responsible for the accessibility, pandemic protocol, and safety compliance for early voting and poll sites. Michael has served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Eric Vitaliano, Councilman Michael McMahon, and State Senator Diane Savino as well as Liaison to Speaker of the City Council, Christine Quinn. Michael has also worked on many campaigns. When working for private industry he provided safety, training, and advocacy to the transportation and construction industries serving as VP of Operations for the Black Car Fund representing 25,000 drivers and 2,500 safety professionals as the CEO of the Safety Professional Association. Michael, an Eagle Scout, started volunteering very early in life, for On Your Mark INC, and the Eden II School for the Disabled; where his brother Steven is a participant and lives with Autism. Advocacy for those with disabilities drove Michael into politics, advocating for group homes at civic meetings beginning at the age of seven years old. Michael also started volunteering for Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church’s annual Greek Festival that year too. Michael also serves as the Red Cross Ambassador to Staten Island and serves as a team leader for the Annual Bread of Life Food Drive. He formerly served on the Board of Directors for United Activities Unlimited, Community Health Action of Staten Island and the Seaman’s Society for Children as
well as on the Foundation Board for Community Resources. Michael Arvanites lives in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Staten Island.