Thursday, March 10, 2022

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating Covid-19 - MARCH 10, 2022

 Clinical specimen testing for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) at Wadsworth Laboratory

New Lowest 7-Day Average Statewide Positivity Since July 20 

Daily Statewide Positivity Has Been Under 2% for Two Consecutive Weeks

13 Covid-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday


 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.  

"New Yorkers should be proud of our continued progress in fighting the COVID-19 virus," Governor Hochul said. "Thanks to the millions of New Yorkers who got vaccinated, got the booster, and encouraged their family members to do the same, we see our numbers continuing to trend in the right direction. Let us remain vigilant and use the tools we know are effective."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

  • Test Results Reported - 134,995
  • Total Positive - 1,850
  • Percent Positive - 1.37%
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 1.45%
  • Patient Hospitalization - 1,279 (-115)
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 151
  • Patients in ICU - 213 (-21)
  • Patients in ICU with Intubation - 124 (-9)
  • Total Discharges - 287,769 (+206)
  • New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 13
  • Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 54,903

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

  • Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 69,681

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.  

  • Total vaccine doses administered - 37,181,119
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 15,638
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 112,487
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 91.8%  
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 83.2%  
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%  
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 85.8%  
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 82.0%  
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 72.0%  
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 81.3%  
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 73.4%  
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 89.2%  
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 75.8%   
Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows:  

BOROUGH 

Monday, March 7, 2022 

Tuesday, March 8, 2022 

Wednesday, March 9,  

2022 

Bronx 

0.76% 

0.73% 

0.75% 

Kings 

0.93% 

0.89% 

0.93% 

New York 

1.33% 

1.31% 

1.37% 

Queens 

0.94% 

0.90% 

0.89% 

Richmond 

1.19% 

1.16% 

1.21% 


MAYOR ADAMS TO “REBUILD, RENEW, REINVENT,” UNVEILS BLUEPRINT FOR NYC’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY

 

 

Plan Will Help Deliver Accelerated Recovery, Built on Equity and Inclusivity

 

Five Pillars, With More Than 70 Concrete Initiatives, Will Create Opportunities and Connect New Yorkers Seeking Work, Help Speed Return to Pre-Pandemic Employment Levels

 

Major New Capital Investments in Hunts Point Produce Market and Surrounding Community to Support Modernization of Critical Food Supply Facilities and Help Neighborhood Thrive

 

Blueprint Outlines “New New York” Blue-Ribbon Panel to Re-envision Central Business Districts, Lays Foundation for City’s Economic Future, With Investments in Small Businesses and Emerging Industries


 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery,” which outlines the mayor’s vision for the city’s economic recovery and the future of the city’s economy — all built on equity and inclusivity. The COVID-19 global pandemic devastated the city’s economy, but New York City is now on the cusp of an economic resurgence, and the mayor’s plan seizes on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate the city’s economy in the short and long terms. The blueprint specifically aims to accelerate the return to pre-pandemic employment levels, while simultaneously laying the foundation for the city’s economic future — addressing historic injustices and reimagining outdated ways of doing business.

 

“New York City’s recovery cannot and will not be about going back to the way things were — we are going to rebuild, renew, and reinvent our city and our economy for today, tomorrow, and generations to come,” said Mayor Adams. “This is more than a to-do list: It is a complete reset with more than 70 concrete actions we will take to tear down the barriers to progress and build up a strong, resilient city with opportunity for everyone. I want all New Yorkers to know that your city is looking out for you and planning for your future, so New York can be a city we are all proud to call home.”

 

"Our state’s economy has been battered over these last two years, but there is no doubt New York's best days lie ahead,” said New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. “We will seize this moment to do what New Yorkers always have done: To stay strong and work together to find new, innovative paths to growth that build upon our strengths. My administration has begun this work by advancing new investments that include a renewed commitment to workforce development, the largest state-sponsored tourism package in the country, and a historic $500 million commitment to expanding the offshore wind industry in New York State. This work sets a strong foundation, but we can and will do much more. Mayor Adams and I are committed to working together and with the private sector to plan for a future that uplifts us all. The New New York Panel is a demonstration of our unwavering resolve. Let’s get to work.”

 

“Our mission is to provide opportunity to every New Yorker,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “We have weathered considerable struggle and loss over the last two years. But there has never been a more urgent time for New York to serve as a model for equitable recovery, and the investments and initiatives in this blueprint will accelerate our city’s return, help us return to pre-pandemic employment levels more quickly, and build our city back more inclusively than ever.”

 

The plan to accelerate the city’s recovery and build a more resilient economy rests on five key pillars:

 

  1. Restarting our city’s economic engines and reactivating the public realm;
  2. Supporting small businesses, entrepreneurship, and a more equitable economy;
  3. Driving inclusive sector growth and building a future-focused economy;
  4. Connecting New Yorkers to quality jobs and in-demand skills; and
  5. Planning and building for inclusive growth now and in the future.

 

While this moment in the city’s post-COVID economic recovery holds great potential, significant challenges continue to face parts of the city. More than 26,000 businesses have closed, while many offices remain shuttered; unemployment among Black New Yorkers remains more than three times the national average at 15 percent; and tourism remains far below pre-pandemic levels, depriving the city of much-needed economic activity.

 

Tackling these challenges will require a comprehensive, collaborative effort bringing together the business community, labor unions, neighborhood advocates, faith leaders, educators, and New Yorkers across the five boroughs. Mayor Adams’ blueprint represents the first stage of that effort.

 

Among the strategies outlined in the blueprint are more than 70 concrete actions that will help realize the mayor’s goal of rebuilding, renewing, and reimagining the city’s economy. The administration will:

 

  • Invest in Hunts Point infrastructure, community priorities, and the redevelopment of the Hunts Point Produce Market, a vital resource in New York City’s food supply system that supplies 25 percent of the city’s fresh produce;

 

  • Assemble a “New New York” blue-ribbon panel, convened by Mayor Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, to re-envision business districts, invest in the workforce, and stimulate economic growth by engaging some of the most visionary leaders in business, labor, academia, nonprofit, and philanthropy;

 

  • Launch the NYC Strategy for Equity and Economic Development (SEED) Fund, a new equitable capital planning framework to invest city resources into neighborhood needs in ways that address historic disinvestment, immediate public health and safety issues, and growing climate risks, while creating jobs and spurring economic growth;

 

  • Provide small businesses much-needed relief — cutting opening times in half, suspending the city’s 25 percent surcharge on liquor licenses, streamlining inspections, reforming licensing requirements, providing back-office support and free tax preparation, improving language access, and helping small businesses expand their digital footprints;

 

  • Launch the Small Business Opportunity Fund to meet the financing needs of historically underserved local businesses and entrepreneurs, addressing critical gaps in access to capital;

 

  • Strengthening our commercial corridors across the five boroughs by investing in small Business Improvement Districts, merchant associations, and public realm improvements;

 

  • Reform and expand the city’s Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) program to increase the number and size of city contracts going to M/WBE firms, help these firms grow, and support M/WBEs that have not sufficiently benefited from this program;

 

  • Tackle public safety and quality-of-life concerns in commercial corridors and launch a Public Realm Working Group to execute a holistic strategy of coordinated initiatives and programs in our public spaces;

 

  • Expand the city’s tourism marketing campaign to show the world that New York City is open, vibrant, and ready to welcome visitors again;

 

  • Double down on growing the life sciences industry, with a focus on expanding into new sub-industries and building the talent pipeline of local New Yorkers;

 

 

  • Build an equitable cannabis industry from the ground up, by offering financial support and technical assistance to help entrepreneurs launch their businesses and launching a broad-based community engagement effort to make New Yorkers aware of opportunities to participate in the industry;

 

 

  • Establish New York City as a hub for digital game development by launching a game development curriculum at The City University of New York to train New Yorkers for opportunities in this field and fostering growth of independent and established gaming communities;

 

  • Leverage zoning and land use tools to foster innovation and support emerging industries, expand access to high-quality, low-cost housing options in neighborhoods across the city, and facilitate green projects;

 

  • Protect workers’ rights by raising and enforcing labor standards for app-based delivery workers and adding new city resources focused on protecting the rights of home care aides, nannies, house cleaners, and other domestic and care workers; and

 

  • Expand financial empowerment services, bringing financial counseling to Workforce1 Centers and launching a mobile unit to offer free tax preparation, financial counseling, benefits enrollment, job training supports, tenant protection services, and other critical resources in neighborhoods across the city.

 

The economic recovery blueprint arrives as the city enters a new phase in its COVID-19 response, beginning with Mayor Adams’ decision last week to suspend Key to NYC and remove mask mandates for K-12 public school students. The blueprint also follows the release of Mayor Adams’ Subway Safety Plan last month and his Blueprint to End Gun Violence in January.

 

“As New York City restarts its economy, the mayor’s Blueprint for Economic Recovery offers a strong vision to help meet the challenges that lie ahead,” said First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo. “As we recover, the blueprint will accelerate the city’s economic engine now and into the future.”

 

“The Adams economic blueprint is a clear, common-sense, and creative path to revitalize and grow our city’s greatest asset — our public realm — bring infrastructure equity to all New Yorkers, and build a resilient and forward-facing economy, workforce, and city,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “Armed with this roadmap, there is no better time to be a New Yorker.”

 

“This plan sets forth a hopeful path to support the resiliency and ingenuity in every person,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “From our health care sector to green jobs, this plan is about an economic recovery that supports every family, every child, and every New Yorker. There is so much to do, from high unemployment to pay equity across the city, and I look forward to working with all of our partners to make our city ever stronger and more equitable.”

 

“The Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery is a massive step forward in the right direction for our city,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright. “Not only are we casting a vision for a more prosperous city, but we’re outlining the action steps to restart our economy in an equitable, strategic, and future-focused way. By rolling up our sleeves and working together, we will rebuild, renew, and reinvent the economic recovery of our city.”

 

“Our housing needs and our city’s economy are closely tied together,” said Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz. “Today’s announcement is an important step in building a stronger, more equitable New York, which will help us tackle our critical housing shortage. I’m excited to work with the team as we implement these vital programs and policies.”

 

“New York City is at the dawn of a new chapter in our history,” said Chief Efficiency Officer Melanie La Rocca. “I’m thankful to Mayor Adams and Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer for their clear vision to revitalize, reimage, and remake our city in a more efficient and effective way.”

 

“I applaud Mayor Adams and Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer for taking these bold steps to drive our economic recovery forward with a plan centered on equity and economic mobility as well as public-private partnership,” said Andrew Kimball, president and CEO, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). “This blueprint will make New York stronger and more resilient than ever, and we at NYCEDC are proud to work with our partners in the private sector, in government, and in communities across the city to execute on its vision.”

 

“We know that we owe a great deal to the people who powered this city through the pandemic — the frontline workers, the small business owners, and the community nonprofits,” said Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “The exciting initiatives announced today will provide the critical support they need to succeed and thrive. Today, we are putting equity at the forefront of economic development, because we want to make sure that all New Yorkers can share in our prosperity.”

 

“As we emerge from the pandemic, we need to take every possible step to jumpstart our local economy,” said Department of City Planning Director and City Planning Commission Chair Dan Garodnick. “With this blueprint, we have a strategy that will allow us to deliver equitable growth across all five boroughs. This will include new housing, more accessible jobs, and greener, more resilient neighborhoods. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Mayor Adams in support of this plan to deliver a better, brighter, and fairer future for all New Yorkers.”

 

“Arts, entertainment, and nightlife are the heart and soul of New York City. They are the pulse that sustains the most passionate, innovative creators of our time, drawing people from around the world,” said Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner Anne del Castillo. “Strengthening these cultural and creative sectors is at the forefront of Mayor Adams’ economic recovery plan, because New York City’s future depends on them.”

 

“Mayor Adams has made New York City’s economic recovery a linchpin of his policy agenda,” said Maggie Austin, senior advisor to the mayor; and director, Mayor’s Office of M/WBEs. “This vision recognizes a fundamental truth: M/WBEs are critical to the city’s economic recovery and long-term well-being. This renewed investment in the continued growth of the city’s M/WBE program is timely and necessary. I commend Mayor Adams for sharing our commitment to creating a more equitable New York City that embraces its diversity and supports its many M/WBEs and the communities they benefit.”

 

“Good design of the public realm is critical to New York City’s recovery and resilience, enhancing our health and wellbeing by providing welcoming spaces for social gathering, recreation, and cultural programming,” said Keri Butler, executive director, Public Design Commission. “We look forward to collaborating with Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer, and our city agency colleagues on streamlining the capital process to bring innovative and efficient design to public spaces for all New Yorkers.”

 

“New York City landmarks and historic neighborhoods help make the city a global destination — attracting residents, tourists, and businesses — and they play a vital role in the dynamism of the city,” said Sarah Carroll, chair, Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). “We applaud Mayor Adams for this economic recovery blueprint. To help advance the plan’s important goals, LPC will leverage technology to streamline its permitting processes to make it easier for residents, businesses, and cultural institutions to thrive in their historic buildings. We look forward to working with the mayor and Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer to help the city come back stronger than ever.”

 

“There is no recovery for New York City without culture,” said Sheelah A. Feinberg, deputy commissioner, Department of Cultural Affairs. “Our city’s cultural organizations are a magnet for visitors from around the world, and our artists and cultural workers bring creative energy and social vibrancy to neighborhoods in every corner of the five boroughs. We applaud Mayor Adams’ blueprint for an economic recovery that centers the essential role of culture, and we can’t wait to work with our partners throughout the sector to ‘Get Stuff Done.’”

 

 

Man Sentenced for Hurling Molotov Cocktail at Newark Del. Planned Parenthood

 

 David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that 20-year-old Samuel Gulick, of Middletown, was sentenced in federal court yesterday for crimes associated with fire-bombing a Planned Parenthood facility in Newark, Delaware in January 2020.  U.S. District Judge Leonard P. Stark imposed a sentence of 26 months in prison, to be followed by three (3) years of supervised release.  While under court supervision, the defendant will participate in a structured mental-health treatment plan in a controlled environment.  This sentence was a joint request from the parties, and is based on a threat assessment performed by the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU).

According to court documents and statements made in open court, at approximately 2:16 a.m., on January 3, 2020, Samuel Gulick drove to the Planned Parenthood facility in Newark, Delaware.  Video surveillance captured Gulick standing on the front porch of the building and spray-painting the phrase “Deus Vult” – Latin for “God Wills” – in red letters. Gulick then stepped off the front porch, lit an object and threw it at the front window. The object, a Molotov Cocktail, exploded and Gulick ran away. The fire burned for approximately one minute before self-extinguishing; the front window and porch of the building were damaged. 

Law enforcement arrested Gulick the following day.   At the time, Gulick was still in high school.  Shortly after his arrest, the FBI’s BAU performed a comprehensive threat assessment of the defendant.  This included a review of his prior psychological and medical records, an independent diagnosis by a clinical forensic psychologist, and an extended in-person interview.  Based on this data, BAU opined that an extended period of incarceration could entrench the defendant’s mindset, without providing him with the skills needed to change his life. 

Thereafter, the U.S. Attorney’s Office worked with the BAU, defense counsel, U.S. Probation, and a nationally-renowned behavioral analyst to craft a long-term treatment plan to address the defendant’s medical, developmental, and behavioral needs.  The defendant will adhere to this plan for three years and be under court supervision.   For the first year, the defendant will be housed at a Residential Reentry Center – a facility that will enable him to participate in therapy sessions in a secure environment.  Thereafter, if he makes appropriate progress, Gulick will be released to a less restrictive setting.

In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “This was an egregious crime. I applaud the investigative efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement who worked quickly to identify and bring Mr. Gulick to justice.   But this was a team effort in more ways than one.  I also want to thank the mental health and behavioral science professionals – including those in FBI’s BAU – for the hard work and many hours they devoted to this case.”     

“My appreciation goes out to the multiple law enforcement agencies who quickly worked together to identify and arrest Mr. Gulick. In only a few hours following his attack, investigative operations were successful, ensuring Mr. Gulick would not pose a further threat to the citizens of Delaware.” said SAC Thomas J. Sobocinski. “Today’s sentencing should serve as a deterrence to others who use violence to discourage women from receiving lawful services those facilities provide.”

“Attacking and terrorizing law-abiding citizens to achieve personal political goals is a heinous act, one which ATF and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge L.C Cheeks, Jr. “We are grateful that no one was injured as a result of this defendant’s criminal actions and that the hard work of investigators’ efforts has resulted in him being held accountable for them.”

The FBI Baltimore Division's Wilmington Resident Agency investigated the matter with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Delaware State Police, Newark Police Department, Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office, New Castle County Police Department and University of Delaware Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn A. Weede and Ruth Mandelbaum prosecuted the case. 

Law Enforcement Cooperation Between United States and Mexico Leads to Mexican Takedown of Significant Human Smugglers

 

 The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona announced today that extensive bilateral cooperation between the United States and Mexico resulted in Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office, Fiscalía General de la República (FGR), conducting a significant enforcement operation last week to dismantle a prolific transnational human smuggling organization operating in Nogales, Sonora, along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The targeted human smuggling organization is alleged to be responsible for illegally smuggling large numbers of individuals from Mexico, Central America, and South America into the District of Arizona and other locations throughout the United States. The enforcement operation on March 2, 2022 included the execution of six arrest warrants in Mexico for smuggling coordinators: Arturo Tienda-Garcia, aka “Tuercas,” Jose Guadalupe Tienda-Garcia, aka “Pantera,” Gilberto Escalante-Osuna, aka “Mochomo,” Uriel Cruz-Tienda, aka “Quiqui,” Cristal Tolentino-Hernandez, and Alfonso Sotelo-Contreras, aka “Pajaro.”  

United States authorities provided assistance to Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office through coordination under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The Task Force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, or endanger migrants, pose national security threats, and are involved in organized crime.

To date, the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, has prosecuted U.S.-based coordinators and operators with alleged ties to the same smuggling organization including Benjamin Gallegos, Amalia Gonzalez-Lara, Sergio Vazquez-Flores, Macario Ulises Barragan-Cisneros, Jaziel Tienda-Ibarra, Daniel Garcia-Salgado, Cesar Bermeo-Diaz, Isamar Chaparro-Vizcarra, and Oswaldo Tienda-Castro. These nine individuals have been convicted of Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Illegal Aliens for Profit. Additional alleged coordinators for the organization have been indicted by a federal grand jury on alien smuggling charges including Enrique Villalobos-Lopez and Ian Esteban Serrano.

“The Attorney General established Joint Task Force Alpha to address the threat posed by transnational human smuggling networks, and this operation is a prime example of its impact,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “JTFA marshals the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department, and its law enforcement partners, to target human smugglers and enhances coordination in transnational law enforcement efforts to better combat these criminal organizations.”

“Border security is less about erecting barriers between nations, and more about increasing cooperation among neighbors,” said Gary Restaino, United States Attorney for the District of Arizona. “This operation is a stellar example of what can be accomplished when U.S. and Mexican authorities work together across the border. For years, these individuals have violated the laws of the United States and Mexico with impunity, and their apprehension will make citizens of both countries safer.”

“HSI-Phoenix is grateful for its collaboration with HSI Mexico City and their partnership with the Government of Mexico. These joint efforts demonstrate the commitment of both of our nations to not let borders be barriers when it comes to confronting the transnational criminal organizations that negatively impact both of our nations,” said Scott Brown, Special Agent in Charge for HSI-Phoenix.

HSI-Nogales led the investigation in the United States, working in concert with United States Border Patrol. Support by HSI-Mexico City, with the assistance of HSI's Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit (TCIU)-Mexico, was critical in providing coordination between United States and Mexican law enforcement agencies. The Department of Justice, including the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona in Tucson, the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, and the Office of International Affairs, provided significant assistance in this matter.

NYC Comptroller Brad Lander Launches Nationwide Search for Chief Investment Officer for NYC’s Pension Funds

 

For the First Time, the Comptroller’s Search Will Be a Collaborative Effort with Independent Investment Experts and the Retirement System’s Trustees

  New York City Comptroller Brad Lander announced the official launch of a nationwide search to hire a new Chief Investment Officer (CIO) for the New York City Retirement System (NYCRS). Former CIO Alex Doñé stepped down at the end of 2021 to pursue new opportunities, and then-Deputy CIO Michael Haddad is currently serving as Interim CIO.  

The Chief Investment Officer is responsible for overseeing the Bureau of Asset Management (BAM), which manages New York City’s $274 billion pension portfolio and spearheads the Comptroller’s responsibilities as investment advisor to the five New York City Retirement Systems. The CIO will be tasked with leading the office’s work to maximize risk-adjusted market returns through responsible fiduciary investing, bringing an equity and sustainability lens to the portfolio, and securing long-term sustainable growth that will guarantee retirement security and a better future for public sector workers and their families.

“I am excited to announce the launch of our search for a permanent Chief Investment Officer for the New York City retirement system today,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. “For the first time, the process to find the right person for the job of stewarding investments for New York City’s 750,000 current and future retirees will be a partnership with the trustees who represent them on the pension funds and will include an advisory committee of industry experts with deep experience in investment and asset management. This consultative process will ensure that we meet strong and diverse candidates and choose the right leader for the Bureau of Asset Management’s critical work to safeguard the futures of public sector workers. I’m grateful to Michael Haddad for stepping into the role of Interim CIO to continue strong leadership at BAM as we conduct this process.”  
 
The search has been designed as a consultative process that will include the participation of independent investment experts and the system’s trustees to ensure broad and far-reaching recruitment, diligent background research, and a thoughtful and effective interview process. Trustees will be involved during many key points of the process including by contributing to the job description, recruiting candidates, and evaluating finalists. The search will be managed by consulting firm Korn Ferry, which was selected based on an evaluation of proposals conducted by the Comptroller’s Office. Senior staff of the Comptroller’s office will also be involved in the search process.  

Today’s announcement follows Comptroller Lander’s December 2021 announcement of the appointment of Michael Haddad as Interim CIO. The goal is to have a permanent CIO in place by Fall 2022. 
 
Advisory Committee Members

  • Charmel Maynard, Chief Investment Officer and University Treasurer, University of Miami
  • Josh Steiner, Chairman of the Board, Castleton Commodities International and Senior Advisor, Bloomberg LP
  • Roy Swan, Director, Mission Investments, Ford Foundation
  • Monte Tarbox, Executive Director for Investments, National Electrical Benefit Fund

New York City Retirement System Trustees
  
New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS): New York City Comptroller Brad Lander; Mayor Eric Adams’ Representative, Cynthia Collins (Chair); New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; Borough Presidents: Mark Levine (Manhattan), Donovan Richards (Queens), Antonio Reynoso (Brooklyn), Vito Fossella (Staten Island), and Vanessa L. Gibson (Bronx); Henry Garrido, Executive Director, District Council 37, AFSCME; Tony Utano, President Transport Workers Union Local 100; and Gregory Floyd, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 237. 
  
Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS): New York City Comptroller Brad Lander; Mayor Eric Adams’ Appointee, Cynthia Collins; Chancellor’s Representative, Lindsey Oates, New York City Department of Education; and Debra Penny (Chair), Thomas Brown and David Kazansky, all of the United Federation of Teachers. 
  
New York City Police Pension Fund (PPF): New York City Comptroller Brad Lander; Mayor Eric Adams’ Representative, Cynthia Collins; New York City Finance Commissioner Preston Niblack; New York City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell (Chair); Chris Monahan, Captains Endowment Association; Louis Turco, Lieutenants Benevolent Association; Vincent Vallelong, Sergeants Benevolent Association; Paul DiGiacomo, Detectives Endowment Association; and Patrick Lynch, John Puglissi, Joseph Alejandro, and Thomas Gilmore, all of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association. 
  
New York City Fire Pension Fund (Fire): New York City Comptroller Brad Lander; Mayor Eric Adams’ Representative, Cynthia Collins; Acting New York City Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh (Chair); New York City Finance Commissioner Preston Niblack; Andrew Ansbro, President, Robert Eustace, Vice President, Edward Brown, Treasurer, and Eric Bischoff, Staten Island Representative and Chair, Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York; Liam Guilfoyle, Captains’ Rep.; Paul Mannix, Chiefs’ Rep., and Christopher Jensen, Lieutenants’ Rep., Uniformed Fire Officers Association; and Peter Devita, Marine Engineers Association. 
  
Board of Education Retirement System (BERS): Schools Chancellor David C. Banks; Mayoral: Isaac Carmignani, Tom Allon, Rev. Dr. Kathlyn Barrett-Layne, Gregory Faulkner, Dr. Angela Green, Anthony Lopez, Alan Ong, Gladys Ward, Karina Taveras, Kathy Park Price; Thomas Sheppard (CEC); Deborah Dillingham (Queens BP), Geneal Chacon (Bronx BP) and Jaclyn Tacoronte (Staten Island BP); and employee members John Maderich of the IUOE Local 891 and Donald Nesbit of District Council 37, Local 372. 
 
Comptroller’s Office Senior Staff

  • Francesco Brindisi, Executive Deputy Comptroller for Budget and Finance
  • Marjorie Henning, Deputy Comptroller for Public Finance
  • Alison Hirsh, Assistant Comptroller for Pensions and Senior Advisor
  • Rachel Goodman, Chief of Staff*
  • Justina Rivera, General Counsel*

*ex-officio members will participate in the final round interviews