Lynelle Maginley-Liddie, a devoted public servant with a wealthy historical past on the New York Metropolis Division of Correction (NYCDOC), has achieved a historic milestone by changing into the second Black girl to be appointed as commissioner within the division’s 128-year historical past. Maginley-Liddie had beforehand served as the primary deputy commissioner since January 2021, and her promotion to commissioner was introduced by New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams throughout a press convention.
Mayor Adams expressed his confidence in Maginley-Liddie’s capacity to guide the division, citing her vital contributions to the progress made on the DOC over the previous 23 months. He emphasised the significance of public security, justice, and the well-being of each correctional workers and detainees beneath her management.

New York Metropolis Company Counsel Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix additionally recommended Maginley-Liddie, highlighting her complete understanding of the DOC’s operations and her {qualifications} to make sure compliance with the consent decree. She expressed the Regulation Division’s eagerness to collaborate with the brand new commissioner in her function.
In response to her appointment, Maginley-Liddie expressed her honor and dedication to main the division and serving the town. She pledged to work tirelessly to create protected and humane situations for these in custody, setting requirements for correctional finest practices and emphasizing the significance of management illustration for girls and other people of shade.
Maginley-Liddie’s journey in public service started in 2015 when she joined NYCDOC as an company lawyer within the Authorized Division. Through the years, she progressed by varied roles, together with deputy normal counsel and appearing senior deputy commissioner and chief variety officer. Her promotion to commissioner marked a major achievement in her profession.
Maginley-Liddie holds a juris physician from Fordham College Faculty of Regulation and is licensed to observe regulation in New York and New Jersey. She has been admitted to numerous district courts, demonstrating her authorized experience.
Born in Antigua and raised in a Christian family, Maginley-Liddie attributed her success to her religion and household help. She emphasised the significance of impartiality, equity, empathy, and humility in her skilled life, guided by a wholesome ethical compass instilled by her mother and father.
Maginley-Liddie’s management has been characterised by her dedication to workers skilled development and well-being, in addition to her dedication to public service. In the course of the pandemic, she performed an important function in coordinating COVID-19 testing and vaccination operations for employees and bettering entry to well being screenings on Rikers Island.
In conclusion, Maginley-Liddie’s appointment as commissioner of NYCDOC marks a historic second within the division’s historical past. Together with her in depth expertise, dedication to public service, and dedication to security and justice, she is well-prepared to guide the division and proceed its path in direction of reform and progress.