Justin B. Cortes is an accomplished public servant and Chief of Staff, recognized for his exceptional work ethic and deep commitment to public service. Raised in the West Bronx, he developed an early passion for the arts, which helped shape his academic and professional journey. He is a graduate of the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan and went on to earn an Associate of Science (AS) degree from Borough of Manhattan Community College and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from The City College of New York (CUNY).

Justin’s path to leadership was not linear. Throughout his early career, he actively sought opportunities to give back to his community, volunteering at local food pantries, participating in missionary trips, and engaging with his local community board and precinct. These experiences sparked a growing interest in political science and reinforced his desire to create meaningful, grassroots change while ensuring resources reached Bronx communities. After earning his degree, Justin gained valuable private-sector management experience at Norwegian Cruise Line, where he worked in operational leadership and team management. He later joined Citibank as a financial advisor, supporting residents and small businesses in accessing loan opportunities, managing credit, and building long-term financial stability.

In 2015, Justin began volunteering for then–Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson and later joined her staff as a Community Constituent Liaison. His leadership and strategic insight quickly distinguished him, leading to his promotion to Director of Budget, where he expanded access to capital and programmatic resources for historically underserved communities. He was subsequently appointed Deputy Chief of Staff, overseeing a team focused on advancing initiatives and addressing the needs of Bronx residents, and ultimately rose to serve as Chief of Staff.

Justin currently serves as Chief of Staff to Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, having completed his first four-year term and now serving during the Borough President’s second term. In this role, he oversees day-to-day office operations, personnel management, and strategic planning, managing a multidisciplinary team and supporting staff development and performance across departments. He plays a central role in overseeing the office’s operating, discretionary, and capital budget processes, working closely with city agencies to ensure fiscal compliance, transparency, and the effective deployment of public resources. Justin also leads the capital planning process to promote the equitable distribution of investments and resources across all congressional, assembly, and City Council districts in the Bronx. In addition, he serves as a primary liaison to nonprofit organizations, community-based groups, and corporate partners, helping to advance strategic initiatives in economic development, arts and culture, and community-driven investment.

Justin is an alum of CORO Leadership New York and JCRC Bridges NY, two highly selective executive leadership programs that reflect his commitment to civic engagement, coalition-building, and principled leadership across diverse communities. These experiences further strengthened his ability to navigate complex systems, build consensus, and lead with integrity. Guided by the mentorship of Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Justin’s leadership is defined by accessibility, collaboration, and results. As he looks ahead, he remains deeply committed to public service and to advancing initiatives that create lasting opportunity and strengthen communities across the Bronx. Justin is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in Public Service Management at CUNY City College of New York through the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership.