Justin Cortes is an accomplished professional and chief of staff, recognized for his work ethic and unwavering commitment to public service. Born and raised in the vibrant West Bronx, he graduated from The High School of Art and Design in Manhattan, then earned an associate’s degree from Borough of Manhattan Community College and a bachelor’s degree from City College of New York.
His interest in political science grew as he volunteered at local food pantries, participated in missionary trips, and engaged with his local community board and precinct. After completing his associate’s degree, Cortes gained valuable experience as director of operations at Norwegian Cruise Line. Later, he joined Citibank as a financial advisor, assisting residents and businesses in accessing loan opportunities, managing credit, and understanding the importance of saving and investing.
In 2015, he started volunteering for then-Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, eventually joining her staff as a community constituent liaison. He was promoted to budget director, advocating for marginalized groups, and Gibson later promoted him to chief of staff, overseeing a team committed to addressing the needs of the Bronx.
Now, as chief of staff to Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Cortes takes pride in fostering positive relationships with nonprofits and corporations to bring essential resources to the Bronx. He views his role as an opportunity to empower underrepresented communities and drive meaningful change, preserving institutional knowledge while embracing new ideas and development.
Words of Wisdom: “In pursuit of success, I’ve found that balancing perseverance with strategic compromises increases our chances without sacrificing the bigger picture. Challenges, heartbreaks, and failures are inevitable, but success lies in emerging changed for the better on the other side.”
