FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HIS UNCLE, THIS NATIVE STATEN ISLANDER HAS LONG BEEN AN ACTIVE CRUSADER IN ELEVATING HIS COMMUNITY, THROUGH OUTREACH, FUNDRAISING, AND ONE MEAN BOCCE BALL SWING
BY AMANDA McCOY PHOTOS BY AMESSE PHOTOGRAPHY
For Mike Assenza, community enrichment runs in the family. Forty-five years ago, as the born-and-raised Staten Islander launched his career with his uncle’s security management firm, Stat Land Security Services, he didn’t realize at the time how deeply his uncle’s example would shape his future path.
“My uncle, Paul, was mentored by one of Staten Island’s greats, Louis Miller, who taught him everything he knew about getting involved with the community and giving back,” noted Assenza, who, today, serves as general manager and vice president of Stat Land Security. “There was a ripple effect; he passed that onto me.”
It wasn’t long before Assenza started becoming more active with a suite of local organizations, from Meals on Wheels and the Grace Foundation to North Central Kiwanis Club and On Your Mark. “Before I knew it, I was involved in just about every organization under the sun,” added Assenza. “It became so much of my social life. I cursed my uncle for it [laughs].”
T hen, in 2019, Assenza took on a role that would be particularly meaningful for the lifelong Islander. As the chairman of the board of directors for the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce (a post previously held by his uncle in 1994 and 1995), Assenza was approached by leaders of the Staten Island University Hospital’s Foundation about joining the board. “They were looking for individuals with strong community ties and involvement,” he said. “It was a great opportunity to merge our missions and support initiatives here that bring better care closer to home.”
Assenza experienced firsthand the power of investing in his borough’s healthcare systems when a heart issue hospitalized him in SIUH’s Heart Tower in the North campus.
“I was able to understand and retrieve everything that’s been put in place in this hospital,” noted Assenza. “It’s serious when you have a heart issue. You are putting your life in someone’s hands to support you. Every single person in that unit was treated with kindness. They were all VIPs.”
Since joining the board five years ago, it’s rare for Assenza to have a break in his social calendar. He’s had his hands in countless initiatives to raise funds to support SIUH’s ever expanding healthcare services, from pediatric programs to new state-of-the-art facilities like the $50 million Florina Cancer Center. And the gregarious karaoke champion isn’t one to stay behind the scenes; Assenza regularly competes in the sports tournaments, including this year’s third annual Healthy Heart Golf Outing and the massive Bocce, Golf, and Tennis Classic. The latter, held at the Richmond County Country Club, attracts hundreds of participants annually to battle for the blue ribbon. This year, Assenza nabbed lifelong bragging rights, placing second in the bocce tournament.
“It’s a huge event,” added Assenza. “More than 500 players participate every year. After several years competing, I finally came in second place. Being Italian, I thought I could win easily, but I was very wrong. My second-place trophy is sitting on my desk today.”
When asked if he’s vying for first in 2025, the humble Assenza responded with a laugh. “Second place is probably my personal top, and I’m proud of that.”
As the hospital prepares for its largest event of the season, the 142nd Charity Ball, on October 19, Assenza noted he’s touched by the fervor of the Staten Island community. Every year, more than 600 people, all donning their black tie best, attend the ball, raising thousands in donations for the hospital’s programs. But collecting funds isn’t the only benefit, noted Assenza. As a former patient, he’s committed to spreading awareness of the world-class care that’s available in his home borough.
“The reality of it is, far too often, people from Staten Island trek their way into Manhattan thinking they will get better care,” he said. “But everything that’s available in Manhattan is available right here, and I know firsthand that SIUH and Northwell are doing everything in their power to bring the best talent, technology, and services to Staten Island. That’s why it’s so important for the people of Staten Island to support the initiatives here, because they will continue to bring better care closer to home. The hospital is growing. Every board meeting, we learn from different department heads about the new initiatives they are putting together. It’s so rewarding to be a part of it.”
Stat Land Security Services
Staten Island University Hospital Foundation