Eric Adams welcomes new administration members amid wave of resignations

NEW YORK (PIX11) – Some new faces are joining Mayor Eric Adams’ administration as it works to stabilize City Hall after a series of high-level exits .

A new city schools chancellor and a new deputy mayor for public safety are taking the reins. Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos starts her first day of school in the position on Wednesday after David Banks retired more than two months sooner than originally planned.

The mayor’s office said Aviles-Ramos’ early start date was so that, “she can immediately begin executing on her vision for New York City public schools.” She is a Bronx native with nearly 20 years of experience in education.

Chauncey Parker took over the role as the city’s deputy mayor for public safety after Philip Banks III resigned . Parker has nearly 40 years of experience in law enforcement, most recently serving as the assistant deputy mayor for public safety.

David Banks and Philip Banks III, who are brothers, had their homes raided by federal authorities in September, sources told PIX11 News. The raids are believed to be part of an investigation separate from the one into Adams’ mayoral campaign .

Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan will be resigning from his position Friday, months earlier than planned. The city’s deputy health commissioner, Dr. Michelle Morse, will succeed him.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018 . She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here .

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