Wave of High-Profile Resignations Hit New York City Administration Amid Unfolding Investigations

City Sees High-Profile Departures as Investigations Loom

In New York City, the administration of Mayor Eric Adams is experiencing a wave of high-profile exits, with the latest being Kristen Edgreen Kaufman, who announced her resignation as the deputy commissioner of public-private partnerships and economic development. Her decision follows closely on the heels of the resignation of two other senior officials, raising eyebrows as investigations around City Hall intensify.

Kaufman’s Departure

Kaufman, who has served in the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs for nearly three years, informed her colleagues on Wednesday that she plans to leave her position at the end of this month. In her resignation letter, she expressed gratitude to Mayor Adams for the opportunity but did not provide a specific reason for her departure. “I wanted to share with you that I will be leaving my position at the end of this month,” Kaufman wrote. She also mentioned her intent to remain engaged with the International Affairs team during the ongoing United Nations General Assembly before shifting her focus to work with the State Department’s Fulbright Specialist Program and the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs.

Link to Ongoing Investigations?

While Kaufman’s reasoning for stepping down remains unclear, her exit comes amid ongoing federal investigations into other members of the Adams administration. The investigations focus on potential illegal foreign donations to Adams’ 2021 campaign. Kaufman’s departure is the latest in a series of unsettling changes within the administration, leaving some to speculate about potential connections.

Other Recent Resignations

Kaufman’s resignation follows the weekend departure of Lisa Zornberg, the city’s chief counsel and legal advisor to the mayor. Zornberg cited her inability to serve effectively in her role but provided no further details in her resignation letter. Mayor Adams referred to Zornberg as someone he “adores” but did not elaborate on whether her departure was related to pressures within the administration stemming from federal investigations.

Earlier in the week, the city also saw the resignation of NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, who stepped down amid scrutiny of the department’s nightlife enforcement practices. Caban faced questions regarding his twin brother, James Caban, who allegedly solicited bribes from bar owners for favorable treatment. One bar owner mentioned feeling extorted after being asked for $2,500 to resolve noise complaints, claiming that a staff member from City Hall had referred him to James Caban. Following these developments, City Hall terminated the involved staff member, Ray Martin, and an internal review was conducted by Zornberg.

Investigations Escalate

The spate of resignations coincides with broader investigations led by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, which recently announced charges against two Fire Department chiefs for allegedly accepting bribes. Additionally, federal investigators have seized phones from three members of the Banks family, which includes Schools Chancellor David Banks. Both Banks and Deputy Mayor Phil Banks have denied any wrongdoing despite being part of the ongoing investigations.

While the increasing number of resignations may suggest turmoil within the Adams administration, it is important to note that neither Mayor Adams nor any of his close aides has been formally charged with any wrongdoing at this time. As investigations continue and the political atmosphere remains tense, the city watches closely to see what may unfold next.