PROSPECT HEIGHTS — Bishop Robert Brennan has announced the selection of Robert Boyce, a retired 35-year veteran of the New York City Police Department who most recently served as Chief of Detectives, to become the new Chair of the Diocesan Review Board (DRB).
Boyce has held numerous positions within the NYPD throughout his career and has experience in a magnitude of criminal investigations, including sex and cyber crimes. His appointment became effective last month.
“I am grateful Chief Boyce has answered this call to serve in such a critical position which aligns with his life’s work of seeing justice served,” Bishop Brennan said. “I have every confidence in his ability to manage the investigations based on complaints or lawsuits brought against diocesan personnel. The [DRB] will be well served by the leadership and integrity of Chief Robert Boyce.”
Boyce replaces Joseph Esposito, a 45-year veteran of the NYPD, who served in the position since 2013. Esposito also previously served as the Commissioner of the New York City Office of Emergency Management from 2014 through 2018 and was recently named the Deputy Commissioner of Enforcement for the NYC Department of Buildings.
“I am grateful for the voluntary service and dedication of Chief Esposito to the Diocese of Brooklyn,” Bishop Brennan added. “For nearly a decade, Joe was a consummate professional who strived to achieve the true mission of the Diocesan Review Board.”
The DRB is comprised of laypeople with expertise in family law, law enforcement, and mental health issues. The board — which is mandated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People — is primarily responsible for advising the bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors and his determination of the accused clergy member’s suitability for ministry. It also reviews diocesan policies for dealing with the sexual abuse of minors and offers advice on all aspects of these cases, whether retrospectively or prospectively, upon request.
Bishop Brennan also announced the appointment of Joseph Fox to the DRB. Fox served over 37 years with the NYPD, 21 as a chief. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Security Management from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and is a graduate of the Police Management Institute at Columbia University. He is currently a practicing life coach and trains executive leaders.
Gena Diacomanolis, who earned her Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University’s School of Law, has also been named to the Diocesan Review Board. Since 2006, she has been involved in investigations of criminal child abuse cases and the assistance of victims of family violence. She previously served on the Advisory Council of the New York State Office of Victim Services as well as a board member of the New York State Children’s Alliance.
Father James Rodriguez, pastor of St. Rose of Lima in the Rockaways, has also been appointed to the DRB as the clergy representative. He holds a Master of Science in Education in Mental Health Counseling from St. John’s University. Father Rodriguez replaces Msgr. John Maloney, who retired earlier this year.