Excerpt from the article:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced ten appointments to fill vacancies in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in all four of New York’s Judicial Departments. The justices selected today are a dynamic collection of talent and experience from the trial courts and reflect the excellence and diversity of the judicial system throughout New York State. 

“Each of these individuals brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the state’s Appellate Division,” said Governor Cuomo. “These justices are each tremendously qualified and have shown a remarkable commitment to justice, and I am proud to appoint them to their new roles. Their service on the bench will benefit New Yorkers for years to come.” 

Appellate Division-Second Department Appointees:

The Governor appointed Supreme Court Justices Francesca E. Connelly and Valerie Brathwaite Nelson to fill two vacancies on the Appellate Division-Second Department. The Second Department comprises a ten-county downstate region that includes Kings, Queens, Richmond counties, Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley.

Honorable Valerie Brathwaite Nelson
Justice Brathwaite Nelson was elected to the New York State Supreme Court for the Eleventh Judicial District in 2004. Prior to her election as a Supreme Court Justice, she also served for two years as a Queens County Civil Court Judge. Before becoming a jurist, Justice Brathwaite Nelson served in a variety of public and private legal capacities, beginning as a Law Clerk with U.S. Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. Other public sector roles included, as a Law Clerk for the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, an Attorney with the National Labor Relations Board, Deputy Counsel with the New York State Department of Labor, an Attorney for New York State Senator Alton R. Waldon, Jr., and as an Attorney with the United State Postal Service. Justice Brathwaite Nelson was also a Senior Associate with Vladeck, Waldman, Elias & Engelhard, P.C. before establishing her own private practice from 1989 to 1999. She has been an active participant and leader in various professional and community organizations, including a former Vice President of the National Bar Association’s Labor Law Section and the York College, City University of New York Community Advisory Council. Justice Brathwaite Nelson received her B.A. in Political Science from Syracuse University in 1975 and her J.D. from the George Washington University National Law Center in 1978.