Charter Revision Commission Announces Key Staff Appointments

May 29, 2024

Diane Savino to Serve as Executive Director, Ed Kiernan to Serve as General Counsel

NEW YORK – The Charter Revision Commission (CRC) today announced the appointment of two key leadership positions. Diane Savino will serve as executive director of the CRC and Ed Kiernan will serve as general counsel. The CRC is tasked with reviewing the New York City Charter and determining how to make New York City’s municipal government more responsive and transparent to the city’s residents. Last week, Mayor Adams announced additional appointments to the CRC, including Carlo Scissura — president and CEO of the New York Building Congress — as chair, Dr. Hazel N. Dukes — president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) New York State Conference — as vice chair, and Kenny Ngai — a 20-year veteran of New York City law enforcement — as secretary.

“The goal of this Charter Revision Commission is simple: make government work better for New Yorkers because we all want the same things — to live in a safer, more prosperous, and more livable city,” said Charter Revision Commissioner Chair Scissura. “I’m thrilled to be serving on my third commission and to be joined in this mission by accomplished and dedicated civil servants like Diane and Ed, as we learn firsthand from New Yorkers how to make their government work best for them.”

“Having served New Yorkers in city and state government — from young children in need to delivering for the residents of Brooklyn and Staten Island — I know that government only succeeds when it puts the people it serves first,” said Charter Revision Commission Executive Director Savino. “I’m eager to get to work with this distinguished group on our stated goals of strengthening public safety, promoting fiscal responsibility, and ensuring the diverse voices of our city are heard and reflected in our city’s charter.”

The 13-member CRC will review the entire New York City Carter to ensure that the city's municipal government works efficiently and remains responsive to all New Yorkers. Over the next several weeks, the CRC will consider proposals for revisions to the New York City Charter for presentation to the voters of the November 5, 2024 general election, and such other matters as may be necessary. More specifically, Mayor Adams has asked the CRC to focus on how the charter can help working-class New Yorkers by strengthening public safety and promoting fiscal responsibility.

About Executive Director Diane Savino:
Diane Savino currently serves as senior advisor at City Hall with a focus on state and city legislative issues. Born and raised in Astoria, Queens, Savino began her career in public service as a caseworker for New York City’s Child Welfare Administration, providing direct assistance to abused and neglected children. She is the former vice president of the Social Service Employees Union Local 371. In 2004, she was elected to represent the 23rd Senatorial District, which encompasses the North and East Shores of Staten Island and portions of Southern Brooklyn, including Bensonhurst, Brighton Beach, Coney Island, Dyker Heights, Gravesend, and Sunset Park. As state senator, Savino authored numerous laws protecting hard-working New Yorkers, including the first in the nation Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights and the Wage Theft Prevention Act.

Savino is being detailed over to the CRC full time.

About General Counsel Ed Kiernan:
Ed Kiernan currently serves as senior counsel in the Office of City Hall Chief Counsel. He has previously served as special counsel in the Mayor’s Office of Appointments and as a legislative project manager at the New York City Department of Buildings. He has also worked in the State Senate and in the City Council before working at the New York City Department of Juvenile Justice (now called the New York City Administration for Children’s Services), Kiernan holds a JD from New York Law School and a BA and MPA from New York University.

Kiernan is being detailed over to the CRC full time.

As was announced last week, the CRC held its first public meeting today at the Roosevelt House Public Policy Auditorium at 47-49 East 65th Street in Manhattan. Because today was a public meeting and not a public hearing, the public had the opportunity to observe the CRC’s discussions, but not testify before it yet. All public hearings and meetings will be livestreamed at the CRC’s website.

###