As a new year is set to begin, so does a new era for Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. On Tuesday, he announced that two women would be taking up senior positions at City Hall come January.

Adams named Sheena Wright, one of a handful of current deputy mayors, as his new first deputy mayor to replace Lorraine Grillo. And he tapped Camille Joseph Varlack as his new chief of staff to replace Frank Carone.

What You Need To Know

  • On Tuesday, Mayor Eric Adams officially announced replacements for two of his closest aides

  • Adams named Sheena Wright, one of a handful of current deputy mayors, as his new first deputy mayor to replace Lorraine Grillo

  • And he tapped Camille Joseph Varlack as his new chief of staff to replace Frank Carone

  • Adams has made it a priority in his administration to name women and especially women of color to senior roles at City Hall.

The mayor said both women bring creativity, passion and experience to City Hall. And he said he has made it a point to have women and especially women of color in senior roles in his administration.

“They have been telling the city of New York: ‘coach, put us in the game.’ And they finally have their coach that understands their skill set. They are in the game and ready to play their positions,” said Adams at City Hall on Tuesday.

Before going into government, Wright was the President and CEO of United Way of New York, a nonprofit organization that helps low-income New Yorkers.

Adams touted Wright’s work on early childhood education and gun violence as some highlights so far.

“She has been a steady hand, cool heads, and a passion for the work that is needed in this city,” said the Mayor.

Meanwhile, Varlack, who is a senior advisor to the mayor, was previously the head of her own law firm. She has an expertise in crisis management, which Adams said makes her a focused and driven leader when she played a key role in helping city schools navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When I saw the leadership and the voice, and the focus, and the discipline, over and over again I took notes as I watched her movement and her ability to just handle the crisis,” Adams said.

Carone and Grillo gave some parting words as the two senior officials are set to leave at the end of the year.

“Just be yourself. You can only be the person you are. Be authentic. Be yourself, give it your all. Don’t be afraid of mistakes,” said Carone when asked about a last bit of advice.

“Our new first deputy mayor has all the skills necessary to do this job and do a great job. So I have no concerns and no advice. She will be terrific,” said Grillo showing full confidence in Wright.

Wright and Varlack will start their new post in January. The women said they are committed to helping New Yorkers and being successful leaders.