By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday announced the appointment of Louis A. Molina as assistant deputy mayor for public safety. Molina currently serves as the commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction (NYC DOC). As assistant deputy mayor, Molina will be tasked with coordinating with all city agencies on public safety matters to ensure they align with Mayor Adams’ vision to keep every New Yorker safe.
“Public safety and justice are the prerequisites to prosperity, and that’s why, every day, Louis Molina gets up and ensures we are delivering both those priorities to those in our care. Over the last 22 months, Lou has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication as the commissioner of the Department of Correction, helping to reverse decades of mismanagement and neglect. Lou has brought this organization back from the brink of collapse, which is why I am thrilled to promote him to assistant deputy mayor of public safety,” said Adams. “I know that with Lou supporting Deputy Mayor Banks in this new role, our good work will only continue.”
Molina assumed the role of commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction on Jan. 1, 2022. He is a veteran public safety leader with experience in military, law enforcement, and corrections.
Prior to joining the Adams administration, Commissioner Molina served as chief for the City of Las Vegas’ Department of Public Safety, where he oversaw the city’s jail, deputy city marshals, and other public safety officials. In 2018, Commissioner Molina served as the first deputy commissioner for the Westchester County Department of Correction. From 2016 to 2017, he served as chief internal monitor and acting assistant commissioner of the Nunez Compliance unit at NYC DOC.
Commissioner Molina started his career in law enforcement as a police officer in the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and rose to the rank of detective.
Commissioner Molina has experience modernizing correctional systems through robust programming, building staff capacity, and making strategic investments that improved conditions for staff and people in custody. He has also built strong partnerships with faith-based and community leaders, and nonprofit organizations working with justice-involved people.
Commissioner Molina is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Chaminade University, a Master of Public Administration from Marist College School of Management, a Master of Arts degree in Human Rights Studies from Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and studied abroad at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. He was a U.S. Department of Justice/Office of Justice Programs National Institute of Justice Scholar, and most recently received a scholarship from the Harvard Business School Fund for Leadership & Innovation. Commissioner Molina also has completed the Harvard Business School General Management Program.
Molina will report to Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Philip Banks in this new role.
“I returned to the city where I was born and raised to serve in the Adams administration because public safety has been my life’s mission,” Molina said. “As an New York City Police Department officer, a detective, a United States Marine, a law enforcement chief, and a commissioner, I am immensely proud of the work I have done throughout my career, and I’m eager to take on this next challenge. Working together with the leadership of every agency who plays a role in protecting others, we will continue to deliver greater public safety that leads to prosperity for every New Yorker.”
