Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels Announces Senior Leadership Team

NEW YORK, NY - New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels today announced the appointment of his new cabinet along with a restructuring of the central administrative departments of the nation's largest school district.

This new structure centers our schools, students, and families as NYCPS continues to work towards a safer, more academically rigorous, and truly integrated school system. With experienced leaders who have decades of experience in education and the public sector, this team is grounded in providing direct support and stability to our schools.

"We designed this organizational structure to meet the current and future needs of our school system and our city, centering support around schools, students, and families-particularly those most vulnerable," said Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels. "This cabinet, made up of trusted leaders with deep experience in education and the public sector, will balance stability and continuity with innovation and progress."

Danielle Giunta will serve as First Deputy Chancellor, overseeing academics and instruction, NYCPS's 44 community and high school superintendents, and student pathways, as well as district planning, enrollment, new school development and design, and policy and evaluation. Under First Deputy Chancellor Giunta's leadership, these teams will drive district-wide improvement and leadership development, while emphasizing NYCPS's commitment to academic rigor, equity, and excellence. FDC Giunta's leadership team will include Supervising Superintendent of Elementary and Middle Schools Dr. Maribel Torres-Hulla and Supervising Superintendent of High Schools and D79 Dr. Alan Cheng. As Supervising Superintendents, they will place special focus on implementation of NYC Reads, NYC Solves, Student Pathways, and Portrait of a Graduate.

Flavia Puello-Perdomo will serve as Deputy Chancellor of the Division of Family Partnership & Community Support, centering family and student support services by overseeing Family and Community Empowerment (FACE), community schools, attendance, supports for students in temporary housing and foster care, language access, school wellness programs, and counseling support services. Deputy Chancellor Puello Perdomo will focus on strengthening the partnerships that help students thrive and ensuring that families, especially those navigating the greatest challenges, feel welcomed, supported, and connected to their school communities.

Kevin Moran will serve as Deputy Chancellor of the Division of School Operations, overseeing facilities, transportation, school food, technology, school health, non-public and charter schools, emergency planning, energy and sustainability, and the Public Schools Athletic League.

Michael Cheatham will serve as Interim Acting Deputy Chancellor of the Division of Finance, Administration, and Human Resources, overseeing both school and central finance and human resources, procurement, MWBE, and administrative services. Later this spring, Lindsey Oates will assume the role of Deputy Chancellor of this division.

Deputy Chancellor of the Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning Christina Foti and Deputy Chancellor of the Division of Early Childhood Education Simone Hawkins will remain in their roles supporting students with disabilities and multilingual learners, and the city's early childhood education system, respectively. Mark Rampersant will remain in his role as Chief of Safety and Prevention Partnerships, and Liz Vladeck will stay on as Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel. Kenita Lloyd will continue to serve as Chief of Staff.

Bios for the new NYCPS leadership team can be found here.

"As we enter a new Mayoral and NYCPS administration, I look forward to working with a leadership team that centers families, strengthens the role of superintendents, and creates clearer alignment between central leadership and our school communities," said City Council Education Chair Eric Dinowitz. "When leadership is both collaborative and grounded in experience, our students are the ones who benefit most."

"I have confidence that the Chancellor has appointed an executive staff that will move his educational agenda forward in a way that will benefit the students in New York City," said New York State Representative Michael Benedetto.

"The strong leadership team Chancellor Samuels has assembled reflects a clear commitment to student-centered results, collaboration, safety, and inclusive learning," said New York State Senator John C. Liu. "The depth of experience is well suited to governing a system of this scale and creates clear lines of responsibility while encouraging us all to work towards shared goals. I look forward to working with and hearing from each division to deliver stronger, more equitable opportunities in pursuit of excellence for children across NYC."

"Our schools deserve leadership that combines deep system knowledge with a heart for service. This team, guided by the Chancellor, embodies both," said Greg Faulkner, Panel for Educational Policy Chair. "Having served alongside them as Chairperson, I know their commitment to our families is unmatched. We aren't just managing a system; we are empowering a city, and I look forward to the work ahead."

"By centering superintendents and elevating family voice, this leadership team can help create a system where responsibility is clear and collaboration is expected," said Council Member Rita Joseph. "When leaders work together with transparency and listening to communities is at the center, our entire system will be stronger."

"Congratulations to the new cabinet," said United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew. "We look forward to working with all of you."

"School leaders across our city know that one of the strongest measures of leadership is the team you build around you," said Council of School Supervisors and Administrators President Henry D. Rubio. "The Chancellor has assembled a talented cabinet with significant experience as former school building and district-wide leaders. We look forward to continuing our partnership to improve the lives of the students and families we all serve."

"The experience represented here reflects a real understanding that moving our students forward requires alignment across the board family partnership, strong instruction, student support, and effective operations all working together," said NeQuan McLean, Community Education Council (CEC) 16 President. "I'm looking forward to seeing how this team turns that understanding into real results for children and families across every borough."

"Excited about a new era in education with bold leadership to move equity forward for our schools," said Dr. Kaliris Salas-Ramirez, Associate Professor at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and CEC4 President. "Chancellor Samuels has always been a visionary leader and I have known him for his strong instincts and values that will push the system in always centering students. These choices align the people with the work needed for transformative change."

"Danielle's appointment as First Deputy Chancellor reflects a deep investment in experienced, system-grown leadership," said Judy Chin, Vice Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents. "Having led at every level of NYCPS, she has a deep understanding of how to align central offices with real community needs. By prioritizing equity, transparency, and collaboration, she'll strengthen family partnerships across the city and her leadership will reinforce NYCPS' commitment to excellence for all students."

"Alan brings nearly two decades of NYCPS experience to his role, along with a deep commitment to expanding opportunity for all students," said Lara Evangelista, Executive Director, Internationals Network for Public Schools. "His track record of increasing opportunities to earn college credit and engage in work-based learning has strengthened postsecondary access and success for thousands of young people. Just as importantly, as an immigrant himself, Alan has been a thoughtful champion for multilingual learners and newly arrived students, ensuring that schools are equipped to support them academically and help them see a future for themselves in college and careers. His willingness to embrace innovation and work with schools to deepen learning experiences for young people has helped build confidence in NYCPS high schools, and his leadership will continue to keep student opportunity and equity at the center."

"As the former Superintendent of District 10, I have seen firsthand Maribel's leadership, as well as her commitment and dedication to serving the students and families of our city," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. "She is a phenomenal coalition builder who brings people together across communities, always focused on what is best for our youth. Maribel is steadfast in her advocacy, principled in her decision-making, and tireless in her work to ensure our scholars have access and opportunity and are equipped with the tools to succeed and excel academically."

"With a system-level perspective on early care and education, Simone is committed to supporting families in every setting so New York's youngest children can thrive," said Susan Stamler, Executive Director, United Neighborhood Houses. "She has worked to strengthen the city's birth-to-five landscape by advancing equitable access to high-quality early learning, including 3-K, Pre-K, and the growing 2-K effort. Through steady, relationship-driven leadership, she helps ensure every child's earliest years build a strong foundation for lifelong success."

"Returning to NYC Public Schools with a wealth of experience, Lindsey will work tirelessly to ensure all students receive the quality education they deserve," said Twyla Carter, Attorney-in-Chief and Chief Executive Officer of the Legal Aid Society. "Lindsey's leadership, knowledge, and expertise will benefit students and staff across the city and be an anchor for a strong, equitable and inclusive system."

"Deputy Chancellor Foti's leadership has been instrumental in helping to ensure students with disabilities and multilingual learners receive much-needed focused attention in systemwide planning," said Maria Odom, Executive Director, Advocates for Children. "We value having someone in the cabinet with her experience, her commitment to stakeholder engagement, and her dedication to meeting the needs of all students. We look forward to continuing to partner with her to advance equitable outcomes for students across the city."

"As someone who witnessed Kevin's work up close during my time at New York City Public Schools, especially during Hurricane Sandy, I saw firsthand the steadiness, compassion, and resolve he brings to every challenge," said Dennis Walcott, President and CEO of the Queens Public Library. "Kevin's leadership is grounded in his start as a classroom teacher, and it shows in the way he always puts students and families first. He played pivotal roles during some of our city's most challenging moments-leading through severe weather events and helping guide the safe reopening of schools during COVID. Kevin strengthens not only school operations, but the people who keep it running every day."

"Over the past decade, Mark has been a valued partner to DYCD programs and initiatives, demonstrating steady leadership in expanding prevention and intervention efforts that foster safer, more respectful school climates," said DYCD Commissioner Sandra Escamilla-Davies. "His belief that safety includes not only physical security but also the social and emotional wellbeing of young people continues to shape important efforts across the school system. Mark remains an important partner to students, staff, and families, and his work continues to strengthen communities across New York City. We look forward to continuing our partnership that will uplift safe and supportive environments for young people and families across the city."

"Bringing lived experience as a NYCPS graduate and public school parent to her leadership, Flavia integrates our families as true partners and strengthens trust across the system, reinforcing dignity and opportunity for every child," said Rasheedah Brown-Harris, Parent Leader, New Settlement Parent Action Committee (PAC). "Her community centered, healing centered approaches aligns with broader academic goals and reflects a belief that strong schools are built with families, not just for them."

"Liz Vladeck is an outstanding public servant and tremendous defender of all that is right and good in public education," said Lisa Zornberg, former Chief Counsel to the Mayor and City Hall. "As Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel of NYCPS, she is as passionate about every child's right to a quality education as she is about eliminating waste, fraud and abuse from the system."

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About New York City Public Schools: NYCPS is a testament to the history and impact of urban education in the United States. With over 1,600 schools spread across five boroughs, the system is made up of approximately 1 million students and staff, making it the largest public school system in the nation. These schools employ more than 75,000 teachers who deliver a rich tapestry of educational experiences to a student body that reflects the city's vibrant and diverse cultural heritage. This network of educational institutions represents not just the scale of New York City's commitment to public education, but also its dedication to fostering a learning environment that is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself.

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