NEW YORK — Mayor-elect Eric Adams on Thursday announced several administration appointments, including his pick to lead the city’s Human Resources Administration. 

Gary Jenkins will replace Steven Banks as the commissioner of the agency, which manages the city’s social services programs, Adams said in a press release. Jenkins is currently HRA administrator, a position he was appointed to by Mayor Bill de Blasio in September 2020. In a statement, Jenkins said he was “humbled and honored” to be appointed as HRA commissioner. 

What You Need To Know

  • Mayor-elect Eric Adams announced several administration appointments on Thursday, including his pick to lead the city's Human Resources Administration: Gary Jenkins

  • Jenkins, who currently serves as HRA administrator, will replace Steven Banks

  • Adams’ announcement came three days after he appointed an all-female team of deputy mayors to serve in his administration

  • Other Adams appointments include Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, Schools Chancellor David Banks and Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez

Current Deputy City Comptroller for Budget Preston Niblack will become the commissioner of the Department of Finance, and acting Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Dawn Pinnock will become that agency’s commissioner, the release said. 

Adams also tapped Maxwell Young, the chief public affairs officer at Everytown for Gun Safety, to serve as his communications director; current DOF Commissioner Sherif Soliman to serve as the director of the Mayor’s Office of Policy and Planning; and José Bayona, one of his senior advisers, to serve as the inaugural executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Ethnic and Community Media. 

Jacques Jiha will stay on as director of the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget, according to the release. 

“Our administration is assembling a team of seasoned public servants who are battle-tested and ready to get to work on behalf of the people of this city. Throughout the transition, we have sought out candidates who don’t just have the right credentials, but also possess the emotional intelligence necessary to understand and empathize with the plight of everyday New Yorkers,” Adams said in a statement. 

“These appointments announced today will ensure we are ready to meet the challenges this city faces, and I thank all the appointees for answering the call to service,” he added. 

Adams’ announcement came three days after he appointed an all-female team of deputy mayors to serve in his administration.

Other Adams appointments include Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, Schools Chancellor David Banks and Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez.