Bradford Billet Continues International Focus in His Work for New York City

Bradford Billet, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Mayor Commission for the United Nations Consular Corps and Protocol, New York City

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, we want to acknowledge an anthropology alumnus who was called upon by Mayor Rudy Giuliani to provide essential services in the rescue and recovery process for New York City and for affected families. In the response to the 9/11 attack, Bradford Billet, AB 1989, a deputy commissioner in New York City's Office of the Mayor, directed the city's Emergency Operations Center and the mayor's Family Assistance Center, providing essential services to those in need. Using his extensive emergency management experience, he initiated special operations for such important tasks as designing and implementing the reporting protocols for injured and missing persons.

In the weeks following 9/11, Billet served as the primary liaison to foreign governments and the U.S. Department of State, working closely with federal, state, and local agencies to resolve problems and concerns. In 2002 Queen Elizabeth ll awarded him an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his efforts related to the disaster.

New York City faced many challenges in its recovery and rebuilding efforts after 9/11. In responding to the needs of both the city and foreign governments, Billet oversaw the compilation of a list of missing foreign nationals, assisted in collecting overseas DNA samples from survivors, facilitated access to benefit programs, administered protocol issues with regard to various visits of heads of state/heads of government, and managed access to Ground Zero. He also created the policy for death certificate applications from abroad, including implementing fraud protections.

Now deputy commissioner in the Office of the Mayor Commission for the United Nations Consular Corps and Protocol, Billet is responsible for diplomatic and consular, legal, intergovernmental, and public affairs and acts as the agency's chief operating and administrative officer. He coordinates city interactions with the resident international community and provides substantial policy guidance to all city agencies, including the mayor's office, as well as to New York City's businesses and residents regarding relations with United Nations, foreign governments, and their officials. He has received numerous honors and commendations throughout his career, and he continues to lecture on public safety and management issues.