Commissioner Jessica Tisch rapidly appoints Ryan Merola as chief of staff
- Ryan Merola was appointed chief of staff by Jessica Tisch just three days after she became NYPD commissioner.
- Merola previously worked with Tisch at the Department of Sanitation and has experience within the NYPD.
- This appointment marks the beginning of Tisch's efforts to modernize and reshape the NYPD administration.
In a swift move shortly after her appointment, Jessica Tisch, the newly instated NYPD commissioner, named Ryan Merola as her chief of staff. Merola, a civilian with a background in civic service, previously collaborated with Tisch at the Department of Sanitation, where he held the roles of chief of staff and deputy commissioner. His experience extends to the NYPD where he served as an intelligence research analyst and worked in the Information Technology Bureau. This appointment occurred during Tisch's first departmental promotion ceremony at the police academy, which included over 200 personnel celebrating new ranks. Tisch's selection of Merola signifies her intent to swiftly initiate changes within the NYPD, demonstrating an immediate push to reshape the administration. Former NYPD Commissioner William Bratton remarked positively on the choice, believing a civilian in the role could provide a fresh perspective as the job manages the commissioner's office. This strategic hire indicates Tisch's commitment to modernization within the force, especially given the array of challenges the department currently faces, such as high officer attrition rates and morale issues. The NYPD, with around 34,000 officers, is grappling with significant issues that include soaring overtime costs and the increased burden placed on its personnel. In her earlier positions, Tisch has emphasized the importance of integrating new technology into departmental operations, which may also play a pivotal role in her upcoming plans. She is expected to introduce further appointments, supported by a transition team comprising both civilians and authorities to assist in navigating these challenges. As Tisch starts her tenure, the focus will likely remain on addressing pressing operational difficulties while enhancing the department's overall efficiency, aiming to modernize and rebuild the force. Her strategic decisions in both leadership appointments and departmental modernization will be closely observed as the NYPD navigates its current struggles and seeks improvements in public perception and officer wellbeing.