On January 31, 2026, Mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani announced five new appointments. They are a part of core agencies within the city’s government, and appeal to Mamdani’s plan to ensure New York City is safer and more affordable for its residents.
Stanley Richard was appointed as the commissioner of New York City’s Department of Corrections. He will stand as the first formerly incarcerated individual to hold this position. Mamdani has stated that he believes Richard’s experience will help the department move forward and add an important sense of leadership to the city. Richard will be focusing on improving the city’s safety as a whole, closing Riker’s Island, and ensuring all individuals in custody and its staff are given proper care and support.
Dr. Alister Martin will serve as the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene commissioner. This was an unexpected choice by Mamdani, as many individuals within the city’s public health community thought he would appoint the current acting commissioner, Dr. Michelle Morse, who wanted to run the department under Mamdani. However, Martin will serve as commissioner under Mamdani, and will be focusing on protecting the health of those in NYC at risk for losing their health insurance under the federal cuts and planning efforts surrounding this summer’s World Cup.
Yesenia Mata was appointed as the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services commissioner. She is the first Latina to be appointed to the role, and will shift her focus to helping veterans become connected to support services, such as housing and healthcare. Mata is known to be an advocate for both veterans and immigrants, and currently serves as a Military Police sergeant in the U.S. Army.
Sandra Escamilla-Davies will serve as commissioner for New York City’s Department of Youth and Community Development, and Vilda Vera Mayuga was appointed as the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings commissioner. Escamilla-Davies plans to focus on offering more after-school programs for children and a larger summer employment program for eligible children. Mayuga has the duty of overseeing New York’s independent administrative court and helping to ensure justice for all individuals.
Mamdani stated, “New York City is built on the often unseen work of public servants who show up every day to care for our neighbors, support our young people, and make government work for the people who rely on it most. Today, we are entrusting five dedicated leaders with the responsibility to carry that work forward.”
