The head of NYCHA, Greg Russ, is stepping down as its CEO as the city launches a nationwide search to replace him, Mayor Eric Adams said Thursday. 

Russ, whom former Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed to the position in August 2019, will stay on as the chairman of NYCHA’s board of directors, Adams said in a press release.

NYCHA’s current general counsel, Lisa Bova-Hiatt, will serve as interim CEO as the search gets underway, according to the release. 

Russ’ departure comes weeks after tests discovered arsenic in the water at the Jacob Riis Houses. The results of those tests were later found to be wrong. 

The incident has sparked a City Council investigation into concerns about water quality at NYCHA developments across the five boroughs. 

Adams said the restructuring is part of an ongoing effort to revamp the troubled public housing system.

“We cannot wait any longer to make transformational changes so NYCHA can provide safe, high-quality homes for New Yorkers,” Adams said in a statement. “I am determined to work with my partners in government to identify the right leaders and the right structure for NYCHA to deliver on our promises to public housing residents.” 

“I want to thank Lisa Bova-Hiatt for her dedicated service to our city and for stepping up at this critical time to put NYCHA on the right path,” he added. 

In his own statement, Russ said he would “remain a resource and partner to Lisa, the NYCHA team, NYCHA residents and the city.” 

“My commitment to NYCHA remains as strong as ever, and as we strengthen the authority and deliver the Public Housing Preservation Trust together, I feel confident in the future of NYCHA,” he added. 

Gov. Kathy Hochul in June signed legislation establishing a trust meant to help speed up needed repairs across NYCHA’s buildings.