larry blackmonNew York-based FreshDirect has named Larry Blackmon VP-community & government affairs to handle outreach, expand partnerships and cultivate new relations ties for the fresh food delivery grocer.

The 15-year communications veteran joins from New York City Parks Department, where he was deputy commissioner for community outreach.

Earlier, he was chief of staff and deputy commissioner for intergovernmental affairs and the NYC Dept. of Small Business Services, and senior manager/PA for the New York Jets professional football team.

FreshDirect serves the NYC, New Jersey, Connecticut and greater Philadelphia, which includes Delaware.

It has partnerships with Food Bank for NYC, City Harvest, RED, Brooklyn Workforce Innovations, Drills Build Skills and others.

Blackmon reports to Mike Brizel, executive VP & general counsel.

FreshDirect, bolstered by $120M in subsidies, is moving its Long Island City base of operation to the South Bronx.

The impending shift has drawn vigorous opposition and lawsuits from community groups, who believe FreshDirect's delivery trucks will snarl streets/roads and increase pollution.

Brizel said Blackmon's duties include expanding ties and partnerships with FreshDirect's new neighbors.