Mayor Eric Adams signed an executive order on March 16th, making changes to the leadership structure of his administration. The executive order was first reported on by Politico.
Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, who was formerly responsible for strategic initiatives, sees her powers expanded under the new title of First Deputy Mayor while also taking charge of certain areas of her former department.
As the First Deputy Mayor, Wright will have four deputy mayors of various departments reporting directly to her. She will report directly to the mayor and continue to advise Mayor Adams in regards to policy, programs, and planning for New York City. Wright is also responsible for supervising and coordinating the offices and department below her.
Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the Mayor’s Chief Advisor, and Mayor Adams have a strong relationship that goes back decades. Lewis-Martin has been the mayor’s right hand since he first ran for New York State Senate and plays a very important role advising him. With the signing of this executive order, Lewis-Martin will now oversee the Office of Administrative Services as well as the Office of Appointments. She can execute duty and power on behalf of Mayor Adams when it comes to agreements, negotiations, and performing other functions.
Political Consultant Hank Sheinkopf told LittleAfrica News, “Ingrid Lewis-Martin remains Mayor Adams’ most significant and constant presence. The only difference in the reorganization is the clarity of her role, and value to him. She is the advisor, protector and enforcer in-Chief.”
Tiffany Raspberry, the head of intergovernmental affairs, was in all practicality promoted to a higher position since last year when Mayor Adams’ former Chief of Staff Frank Carone stood down from his position. Raspberry had reported to Carone but after his resignation, she now directly reports to the Mayor. There were subtle changes in the communication chain between Mayor Adams and Press Secretary Fabien Levy, who before reported to the communications director but now has a direct line to the mayor.
When sharing general remarks about Mayor Adams’ executive order, Sheinkopf said, “It is normal for mayoral administration second year re-organization and shake-ups. Change can provide better outcomes, productivity, and the removal or hiding of poorer performing appointees. Elections also are closer and always in mind.”
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