Mayor Thomas Announces New Hires

Contact: Mayor’s Press Office

Michael Mais, Director of Social Media, 914–760–0950

January 18, 2019

MOUNT VERNON — Mayor Richard Thomas today announced six additions to his administration. The new hires are part of an on-going effort to improve the delivery, efficiency, and responsiveness of services to the public.

“As Mayor, one of my key and continuing goals has been to fill my administration with the best people available,” Mayor Thomas said. “I feel fortunate that Mount Vernon is a place that attracts talented men and women who want to work in government to move our city forward.”

The new hires are:

· Nina Crispino of Pelham Manor will be the new commissioner in the Department of Human Resources. She has extensive public administration experience in New York City government, including positions in personnel and staff management.

· Ernie Garcia of the Bronx will serve as communications director for the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency. He previously worked for more than 17 years at The Journal News/lohud.com as a reporter, with about seven years covering Mount Vernon during the Thomas and Young administrations.

· Torie Muriqi of Bedford Hills will work as an executive assistant in the Mayor’s Office. She is a paralegal who previously worked for three years at the law firm Wilson Elser in White Plains.

· Monica Hughes of Mount Vernon will work in the Youth Department as the director of the Comprehensive Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention program, as well as working on the Healthy Homes Initiative and other projects. She is a public relations and marketing professional with a background in entertainment and hedge funds, most recently as director of operations at MSCO Inc.

· Kirk Allison of Mount Vernon will be the deputy commissioner in the Department of Public Works. He previously worked for 20 years at the investment firm M.D. Sass, most recently as vice-president of the tax lien group.

· Michael Mais of Mount Vernon will handle social media for the city. He has spent about 15 years working in public relations and social media management in the entertainment sector.

Garcia succeeds Ned McCormack, who informed the Mayor at the beginning of the year that he would be leaving in February when he turns 65. McCormack also served as acting chief of staff.

“I want to thank Ned for his service and wish him the best on his future endeavors,” Mayor Thomas said.

Start dates for the new hires vary, but they are all expected to be in effect as of February 2019.