Del Castillo has served as general counsel and chief operating officer of MOME since 2015, helping structure and advance several workforce and diversity initiatives. As commissioner, del Castillo will amplify MOME’s efforts to strengthen the city’s media and entertainment economy and to ensure that the workforce in those industries is diverse.
“Media and entertainment are central to New York City’s economy and identity. Anne has the vision and experience to continue to strengthen the industry during this time of unprecedented growth and change,” said Mayor de Blasio in a statement. “Her commitment to diversifying our entertainment sector and piloting innovative programs will ensure New York continues to be the media capital of the world.”
“I am honored to accept the Mayor’s appointment, and grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with MOME’s dedicated team to support the development of New York City’s creative sectors and nightlife industry,” stated del Castillo. “This is an exciting time for our agency to engage a broad cross section of industry, community, and other key stakeholders to advance an inclusive, sustainable, and thriving creative economy that benefits all New Yorkers and reflects the diversity that defines our city.”
Del Castillo will lead the administration’s effort to capitalize on the burgeoning augmented reality and virtual reality industries. She will also lead outreach to the advertising industry to help foster career pathways for New Yorkers of all backgrounds, and oversee the work of the recently formed Office of Nightlife to ensure the sustainable development of nightlife in New York City.
“I congratulate Commissioner del Castillo on her new appointment as it is a tremendous responsibility. Our City holds so much music, film, and television history, and is on its way to making more under her leadership. We've seen in the short time that the Office of Nightlife has existed an outpouring of interest and engagement from artists, small businesses, and residents. I look forward to working with the Commissioner on making sure that as our city grows, our arts and culture grow with it," stated Council Member Espinal.
“Adding theatre to the portfolio of MOME’s advocacy has been a great boon to our field—both commercial and not for profit—and Anne has been a tremendous advocate of the theatre community throughout the city. At Roundabout Theatre Company, we are so proud to partner with MOME on our Made in New York Theatre Bootcamp, making it possible to ensure a pathway for young, out-of-work, NYC high school graduates into the field of technical theatre,” added Julia Levy, executive director, Roundabout Theatre Company.
Prior to her tenure at American Documentary, del Castillo served as associate director of the Austin Film Society, where she oversaw administration of the Texas Filmmakers Production Fund, successfully advocated for formulation of media arts panel at City of Austin’s Arts Commission, and was part of the initial task force that led the development of Austin Studios. A native of New York City, del Castillo received her BA in English literature and BS in mass communications with honors from Boston University. She earned her JD at Brooklyn Law School and was honored with a Rising Star Award in 2017.
