New York Cruise Lines appoints John Banks to Board of Directors

New York Cruise Lines Inc., operator of the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, transportation and sightseeing company New York Water Taxi, luxury-charter fleet World Yacht, and the innovative maritime restaurant, North River Lobster Company, announces the appointment of John Banks to its Board of Directors. With more than three decades of senior executive experience in the public and private sectors in New York City, Banks joins New York Cruise Lines’ leadership team in directing the company’s many industry-leading sightseeing, hospitality, transportation, and restaurant businesses.

“John brings a broad range of experience and abundant talent to our company, having served the public and private sectors in very senior positions for many years,” said Samuel Cooperman, Chairman of New York Cruise Lines. “We are pleased to have him join the Board of Directors of New York Cruise Lines, and we look forward to his valuable contributions.”

Banks has a long history in public service, most notably as Chief of Staff and Deputy Director of Finance for The Council of the City of New York. His 16 years of government service spanned portions of the Koch, Dinkins, Giuliani, and Bloomberg administrations. Subsequently, he entered the private sector and had a distinguished 13-year career as Vice President of Government and Community Relations for the Consolidated Edison Company of New York. In 2015, he was appointed President of the Real Estate Board of New York, serving until 2019.

Before embarking on his career, Banks earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and economics from Manhattan College. He then completed the Master of Public Administration program at the City University of New York-Baruch College.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be welcomed onto the Board of Directors of New York Cruise Lines. I remember taking my first ride on the Circle Line when I was a kid. I was awed by views of New York City as I stood on the deck with breeze on my face and sound of the vessel cutting through the waves in my ears,” said Banks. “Now, after more than 30 years working in the public and private sectors, I have the opportunity to work with one of the most iconic brands in New York. I want to thank Sam Cooperman and the entire Board of Directors for placing their confidence in me, and I look forward to working with them for many years.”