Photo by Krystalb97, WikiMedia Commons

February 8, 2022 — Eric Adams ‘06, Master’s of Public Administration (MPA) graduate, was recently elected as the 110th Mayor of New York City. Born and raised in New York, Adams has focused his career on helping others. Prior to his time as mayor, Adams served as Captain in the New York City Police Department for 22 years and most recently as Brooklyn Borough President since 2013.

Adams received his master’s degree in Public Administration from Marist in 2006. The MPA program has a long-standing history with the New York Police Department and various New York State Police Departments that allow individuals like Adams to further their professional experience alongside faculty with hands-on experience.

“Our MPA alumni continue to answer the Call to Public Service - Mayor Adams exemplifies the innovative leadership the MPA program aims for in our students and alumni,” said Dr. Tony Carrizales, Chair of the MPA program.

The MPA program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), the global standard for public service education. Marist’s MPA program was the first New York State and NASPAA accredited online program and is highly ranked by U.S. News and World Report for Best Online Master’s Programs.

Dr. James Snyder, Interim Dean for the School of Management, speaks more to Marist's commitment to educating future leaders, such as Adams. “It is exciting to see alumni of Marist’s MPA Program dedicating themselves to public service and the social good. Our faculty and the program provide our students with the intellectual tools to make a positive societal impact, and we are all excited that our graduates are achieving great things to make the world a better place.”

Raised in South Jamaica, Queens, Adams grew up in adversity and was determined to achieve his goals and live a purposeful life. Having graduated from New York City Technical College and John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Adams is prepared to institute change, and after earning his MPA degree from Marist, Adams is equipped with the skill set to further succeed in the public sector.

Following his career in the NYPD, Adams served on the New York State Senate from 2006 to 2013 representing Brooklyn in the 20th Senate District, striving to advance the goals of New York City and Brooklyn. In this role, Adams chaired the Senate’s Homeland Security Committee, the first person of color to do so.

Elected as the first Black Brooklyn Borough President in 2013 and reelected in 2017, Adams ensured that safety, education, and inequality were at the forefront of his agenda while leading the most populated borough in New York City. Throughout his career, Adams has made it a focus on holding individuals accountable and seeking reform against injustices. Fighting for the Brooklyn borough residents, Adams worked tirelessly through the COVID-19 pandemic to protect his constituents and neighbors.

Adams announced his candidacy for the mayoral office in November of 2020. Adams comes with years of work in law enforcement and New York government, giving him the experience necessary for the position.

Adams was sworn into office as Mayor of New York City on January 1 as the second Black mayor in the city’s history.