Mayor Adams Announces Economic Development Team

Andrew Kimball to Serve as EDC President and CEO

Lindsay Greene to Serve as Brooklyn Navy Yard CEO

Anne del Castillo to Continue Serving as MOME Commissioner

Clare Newman to Continue Serving as Trust for Governor's Island President and CEO

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today unveiled multiple new members of his economic development team at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The team — which will be led by Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer — includes several new appointments, as well as a handful of previously announced appointments. Collectively, they will be focused on building an equitable recovery across all sectors of the city's economy and bringing New York City back following COVID-19.

Andrew Kimball will serve as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Lindsay Greene will serve as CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, Anne del Castillo will continue to serve as commissioner of the New York City Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), and Clare Newman will continue to serve as president and CEO of The Trust for Governors Island.

"New York City is the economic engine of the nation and is going to lead this economic recovery, which is why we will need proven leaders who have a comprehensive understanding of the economic landscape of this city, and a track record of 'Getting Stuff Done,'" said Mayor Adams. "Each member of this diverse group of individuals truly knows the communities they serve, and has the skills, the talent, and the emotional intelligence to shepherd an inclusive and equitable economic recovery for all New Yorkers. Appointing a team like this is how we bring back our city stronger than ever."

At NYCEDC, Kimball will be responsible for delivering on the mayor's economic development vision, creating good jobs in burgeoning fields, such as cybersecurity and life sciences, and creatively using the city's assets to promote equitable growth. Kimball previously served as CEO of Industry City.

At the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Greene will be the first Black woman and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve in the role. As CEO, Greene will oversee the workforce development and urban manufacturing campus, which is home to more than 500 businesses and 11,000 employees. Greene will deepen and expand the Navy Yard's mission, investing in the jobs of the future and creating pipelines for underserved communities to fill these jobs. Greene previously served as chief strategy officer of the NYCEDC.

At MOME, del Castillo will be a crucial partner for the city's creative economy, from the film sector to the nightlife industry. She will also work with partners in and out of government to aid its recovery, as it was disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Del Castillo was first appointed as commissioner in 2019.

As president and CEO of The Trust for Governors Island, Newman will build on the remarkable transformation of the island as a world-class public space, with a focus on ensuring all New Yorkers can enjoy the cultural, programmatic, and natural treasures the island has to offer.

"Under Mayor Adams' leadership, we are fighting every day to drive a recovery for all New Yorkers," said Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer. "That is why I am so thrilled that we are appointing visionary leaders like Andrew Kimball, Lindsay Greene, Anne del Castillo, and Clare Newman, whose depth of expertise is matched only by their commitment to New York City bouncing back better than before, with a stronger, more equitable, and more resilient economy."

"New York City has everything we need to recover from the pandemic-induced economic downturn and to build a truly vibrant, inclusive, economic future — an unmatched spirit, an invaluable workforce, and now, a vision that can and will become a reality," said Andrew Kimball, incoming president and CEO, NYCEDC. "I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayor Torres Springer, and all in both the public and private sectors who share that vision of New York City."

"The Brooklyn Navy Yard is a job and manufacturing center rich in history and brimming with the promise of the future," said Lindsay Greene, incoming CEO, Brooklyn Navy Yard. "I am grateful to Mayor Adams for the opportunity to lead the Yard through its next phase, with a focus on building local businesses, creating pathways for worker advancement, and ensuring that the people shaping the inventions, tools, and companies of the future are as diverse as our great city. The success of the Yard comes from its workers, tenants, and neighbors, and I look forward to a continued strong partnership with local residents and leaders, elected officials, and the people working across the campus to cement the Brooklyn Navy Yard as an inclusive economic hub."

"I am honored to be re-appointed by Mayor Adams to continue the important work of recovering and strengthening New York City's media, entertainment, and nightlife sectors," said MOME Commissioner Anne del Castillo. "These industries are vital to our vibrant culture and economy — generating $150 billion and 500,000 jobs pre-pandemic — and define our city as a global capital."

"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve our city by stewarding Governors Island, a unique and treasured resource for all New Yorkers," said Clare Newman, president and CEO, Trust for Governors Island. "I look forward to working under the leadership of Mayor Eric Adams and Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer to increase access to this vibrant destination for open space, arts, education, and history, and to create a global center for education and research that will develop equitable solutions to the climate crisis for our urban environments."

"These appointments today of key economic development officials with deep levels of experience is welcome news for the city as we seek to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic and signal that New York City is open for business," said New York City Councilmember Julie Menin, chair, Small Business Committee. "I especially want to congratulate my former colleague, Anne del Castillo, who I worked with when I was MOME commissioner, and am glad to see the mayor keep that critical continuity with running the city's film, TV, and media sectors."

"We need a proven leader who is committed to supporting local business and creating job opportunities — especially for Black and Brown folks in our communities," said New York City Councilmember Crystal Hudson. "Lindsay Greene is a public servant with a clear commitment to equity, inclusion, and economic development. I am thrilled to welcome her as the new CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard and am confident in her ability to build our city's growing urban manufacturing core, as well as her ability to navigate the complexities of our recovery from the pandemic."

"Mayor Adams hit the jackpot with Lindsay Greene taking the helm of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation," said New York City Councilmember Lincoln Restler. "The Navy Yard is located within our 33rd Council District and I could not think of a better person for the job. Lindsay has the smarts, experience, and values to guide the Navy Yard to realize its full potential as a model in urban manufacturing, a hub for renewable energy, and the gold standard for local hiring."

"Lindsay Greene is an excellent choice to lead the Navy Yard team as it builds on its extraordinary record of quality job creation and workforce development, with a focus on serving those in our community most in need of opportunity," said Hank Gutman, chair, Board of Directors, Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. "She has just the right combination of character, leadership skills, and experience to write the next chapter in the Yard's spectacular history. I look forward to working with her in her new role."

"I've worked with Lindsay for many years and am thrilled that she'll bring her vision, energy, and leadership to the Navy Yard as it enters its next phase of growth," said David Ehrenberg, outgoing president and CEO, Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. "I'm confident that the Yard will continue to provide a national model for modern manufacturing growth and accessible job creation for years to come under Lindsay's leadership."

"The Brooklyn Navy Yard is an important institution to New York City, to Brooklyn, and to me personally, and I am thrilled that Lindsay Greene will be taking the helm to lead it through its next phase," said Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, president and CEO, Brooklyn Community Foundation. "With her strong economic development experience and knowledge of the Yard and the city, I believe that Lindsay will continue the necessary work of increasing its economic impact, while expanding opportunities for the neighboring community. This is a critical moment, and I look forward to partnering on our shared commitment to economic and racial justice, and building a better future for all."

"CUNY congratulates Lindsay Greene on her exciting appointment to lead the Brooklyn Navy Yard into a new phase of inclusive development," said Lauren Andersen, university dean of Industry & Talent Partnerships, The City University of New York (CUNY). "Throughout her career, Lindsay has been a relentless innovator and true champion of New Yorkers who haven't historically felt the benefits of an expanding economy. CUNY colleges have partnerships with the Navy Yard and our students and grads have been working as interns with companies there, and so we also look forward to building on those collaborations under Lindsay's leadership."

"I am very excited about the announcement of Lindsay Greene becoming the CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard," said Jeff Lindor, founder and CEO, Gentlemen's Factory Inc. "Economic inclusion has been the cornerstone of her career. I look forward to supporting her and her team in making the Brooklyn Navy Yard even more equitable and accessible to women- and minority-owned businesses in our great city."

"Lindsay Greene combines strong management skills with vision and commitment to inclusive and equitable economic development," said Phil Thompson, MIT professor of Urban Planning & Political Science; and former New York City deputy mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives. "She's the right person at the right time to lead the Navy Yard, and to deepen its connection to surrounding communities."

"Lindsay Greene brings tremendous vision, commitment and experience to the Navy Yard," said Adam Friedman, former director, Pratt Center; and currently providing strategic direction in the Office of Research and Strategic Partnership at Pratt Institute. "Under David Ehrenberg, the Yard became nationally recognized for demonstrating how openness to innovation and a supportive ecosystem that aligns both economic and educational programs can drive equitable economic growth. Lindsay's leadership of the Yard and her insight into New York's most pressing challenges will turn these challenges into an environmentally sustainable development with a vibrant, innovative industrial sector that has well-paying jobs and supports a more robust, inclusive economy. My colleagues and I look forward to working with her."

"The Brooklyn Navy Yard is an economic engine and innovation hub for Brooklyn and our city. I am thrilled we have Lindsay Green — a tireless champion for equitable and inclusive economic development — leading the next chapter of this vital institution," said Sideya Sherman, executive director, Taskforce on Racial Inclusion & Equity; and executive vice president for community engagement & partnerships, New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). "Under Lindsay's leadership, the Navy Yard will deepen its commitment to developing diverse talent and championing entrepreneurs of color and women-run businesses. I look forward to working in partnership to connect NYCHA and other low- to moderate-income communities to quality jobs and opportunities through the Navy Yard and help support an inclusive recovery for our city."

"The Brooklyn Navy Yard is a shining example of New York's innovative and resilient spirit — transforming an underutilized manufacturing center into a hotbed for groundbreaking tech startups, while uplifting surrounding communities along the way. Lindsay Greene is an excellent choice to lead the Navy Yard into its next chapter," said Jason Myles Clark, executive director, Tech:NYC. "I know that under her leadership, we'll see Navy Yard startups drive economic development and solve some of our city's most pressing challenges. I also look forward to working with Lindsay to connect New Yorkers from all backgrounds to job opportunities at the Navy Yard, including through Tech:NYC's 'Tech Year NYC' initiative that will offer our city's young people a chance to gain invaluable experience in the city's rapidly growing tech sector."

"Frontline communities that have endured historical trauma have been further destabilized by the disparate health impacts of COVID-19 and economic instability," said Elizabeth Yeampierre, executive director, UPROSE; and co-chair, Climate Justice Alliance. "These contemporary challenges demand visionary leadership grounded in community priorities with the ability to operationalize the just transition our communities deserve. Lindsay Greene's appointment as CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard is cause for celebration for all of us!"

"I'm pleased to hear Mayor Adams has appointed Andrew Kimball as president & CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation," said Al Wiltshire, former president and board member, Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. "For years Andrew has worked tirelessly to foster the development of meaningful relationships, which have provided countless opportunities for workforce development in the communities he has been devoted to. Furthermore, Andrew has been a beacon of light in promoting M/WBE contracting. To those ends, Mayor Adams could not have made a better choice."

"Andrew Kimball's deft leadership and transformative approaches to economic development and area revitalization are known quantities to us at CUNY," said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. "The meaningful collaborations he forged with the University — as CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation and Industry City, respectively — have benefited our students and their communities immensely. These include employment opportunities for CUNY students with Brooklyn Navy Yard-affiliated companies; the unparalleled location of Brooklyn College's Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema on the Steiner Studios film lot in the Navy Yard; and the Innovation Lab at Industry City, which provides career training and job placement services and includes New York City College of Technology as a founding partner. Andrew's presence at NYCEDC's helm will enhance job opportunities for CUNY's students and energize New York City's recovery across the five boroughs. We congratulate Andrew and applaud Mayor Adams on the appointment."

"Andrew was one of the first people I met in government who had the vision and understanding to realize how important advanced manufacturing could be to the Navy Yard and to New York City," said David Belt, co-founder, New Lab. "While a tough negotiator, Andrew was always fair, always straight up, and always practical, and we got the deal done. He has an ability to navigate complexity and not lose focus on what is important. We are lucky to have him serve the city as CEO of the NYCEDC. Great pick by Mayor Adams."

"Andrew Kimball's ability to see what's possible and generate creative solutions to complex problems make him the right leader at the right time at NYCEDC," said Liliana Polo-McKenna, Ed.L.D., former CEO, Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow. "Having worked with Andrew at the Innovation Lab at Industry City for several years, I can attest to his commitment to seek out and listen to multiple perspectives, while remaining laser-focused on supporting and creating avenues for economic access and mobility. He is someone who gets the big picture and also deeply values understanding what that looks like on the ground. He is a great choice."

"Having worked closely with both Andrew Kimball and Anne del Castillo over the years, I am pleased to see that they will continue their incredible success in Mayor Adams' administration," said Doug Steiner, chairman, Steiner Studios. "Andrew recognized early on that film and TV production could be a huge economic driver for New York and serve as the catalyst for putting the Brooklyn Navy Yard on the map. He knows his way around city government, and because he's well-liked and respected, he knows how to 'Get Stuff Done.' The same way he transformed the Navy Yard, he then did in the private sector at Industry City. I think the world of him, and I know that his heart is in public service. Anne took the New York City film and television business to a whole other level. There are three times the amount of production here now than there was when she started. I'm looking forward to her continuing that trajectory. Kudos to Mayor Adams for both of these stellar appointments."

"Anne del Castillo has been a marvelous champion for the work that makes our city vibrant, and I'm delighted her leadership will continue in Mayor Adams' administration," said Ruth Dickey, executive director, National Book Foundation. "We are lucky to have her breadth of experience and creative thinking in this role, and I look forward to working with Commissioner del Castillo and the city to celebrate the critical role that books and publishing play in making New York an incredible place to live, work, and visit."

"We congratulate Commissioner del Castillo on her well-deserved reappointment," said Fred Dixon, president and CEO, NYC & Company. "She's a tireless advocate for our city and in promoting New York City as an iconic capital of film, television, theatre, nightlife, and so much more. Her support of the city's tourism industry is immeasurable, and we appreciate her incredible spirit of collaboration and support. We look forward to working alongside her in the Adams' administration."

"We're thrilled that Mayor Adams is keeping Anne del Castillo on as commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment because her experience and expertise will be essential in ensuring our city is the media and entertainment capital of the world as we recover from the pandemic," said Andrew Rigie, executive director, New York City Hospitality Alliance.

"I commend Mayor Adams for reappointing Anne del Castillo in her role as commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment," said Michael Royce, executive director, New York Foundation for the Arts. "Commissioner del Castillo's leadership in the arts and entertainment industry broke new ground when she came into office by creating innovative opportunities for artists, and I look forward to her continually inspiring all of us in the cultural sector with her accessible, inclusive, and smart leadership."

"We are thrilled to hear that Anne del Castillo will continue her leadership of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment," said Suzanne Nossel, CEO, Pen America. "Anne has been a tireless advocate for the literary sector and a superb partner in helping to elevate diverse voices and showcase the vibrancy of the city's writing and publishing communities. Anne has been a stalwart champion of the arts and culture communities throughout the depths of the pandemic, and I know she will stop at nothing to help the literary arts emerge stronger than ever as part of the city's revitalization."

"I am thrilled that Anne del Castillo will be remaining New York City's commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment," said Patricia White, president, Local 764, IATSE. "She is a good friend to the entertainment industry and worked hard throughout the pandemic to be sure that behind-the-scenes workers were able to stay as safe and healthy and return to their jobs as quickly as possible. Anne knows how important the entertainment industry is to the fabric of our city. Congratulations, Anne."

"We congratulate Anne del Castillo on her re-appointment as commissioner of the New York City Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment and we look forward to continuing our work with her to welcome audiences back to the incredible live culture that our city offers," said Tino Gagliardi, president, AFM Local 802. "During the pandemic, audiences missed out on countless opportunities, including live performances on Broadway, at Lincoln Center, and in hundreds of clubs and venues around the city. Musicians also lost important movie and TV work that still hasn't come back yet fully. The community of New York City entertainers — including our professional union musicians — are a crucial part of the economic engine that drives the most important cultural center in the world. The city must continue to make sure that musicians and other artistic workers are a priority during this time of re-opening."

"As a New York City-founded woman of color led games company dedicated to inclusive representation both on-screen and behind the scenes, Glow Up Games is proud to be building amongst this ever-growing center of excellence for diverse game development talent, together with world class institutions such as the NYU Game Center," said Dr. Mitu Khandaker, assistant arts professor, NYU Game Center. "We're happy that Commissioner del Castillo and the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment continues to recognize the importance of celebrating and supporting underrepresented game development talent in our city and its centrality to supporting economic growth."

"I am thrilled at the news of Anne's reappointment as commissioner of the New York City Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment," said Michael Sticka, president and CEO, The GRAMMY Museum. "Her commitment to strengthening and advancing New York's creative economy is unquestionable and we look forward to partnering with the city to further that commitment."

"SDC applauds Mayor Adams' appointment of Anne del Castillo as commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment," said Laura Penn, executive director, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC). "She is a dedicated champion of the arts and entertainment and of the workers who make New York City the capital of culture. Under her leadership, MOME was accessible and present during the darkest days of the pandemic and now, as we return and rebuild, we are eager to continue to collaborate with Anne and the exceptional staff at MOME."

"We are thrilled that Anne will serve another term as commissioner, and we are confident that she will further her efforts and partnership to make New York City an epicenter of excellence for the interactive entertainment industry," said Alan Lewis, vice president of corporate communications & public affairs, Take-Two Interactive Software.

"The digital games industry in New York City is thriving, thanks to Commissioner Anne del Castillo's leadership and the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment's efforts to accelerate our growing industry's social and economic impact," said Susanna Pollack, president, Games for Change. "Games for Change congratulates Commissioner del Castillo on a well-deserved re-appointment and looks forward to our continued collaboration to empower creators and social innovators of all ages to drive real-world impact through games and immersive media."

"Keeping Anne del Castillo on as commissioner is a brilliant move by Mayor Adams," said Stephen Webber, executive director, BerkleeNYC; and dean of strategic initiatives, Berklee. "Anne is a tireless advocate for music, media, and entertainment in New York City, and she continues to play a key role in leading the economic recovery of these sectors as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Her vision is exactly what is needed to unleash the massive potential of the creative industries in New York City, which represents over half a million jobs and a staggering $150 billion in annual economic activity."

"I'm grateful to Mayor Adams for his ongoing commitment to prioritizing the film and television industry as a vital part of New York City's recovery and look forward to working with Commissioner del Castillo as we preserve and grow the thousands of good union jobs the industry contributes to the city's economy," said Rebecca Damon, executive director, New York local, labor policy and international affairs, SAG-AFTRA.

"The Wildflower Studios team is delighted that commissioner del Castillo will be staying on," said Raphael De Niro, owner, Wildflower Studios. "The past two years have been particularly challenging for our city and its critically important media production ecosystem. Commissioner del Castillo has proven herself to be a steady and invaluable partner to our industry."

"Anne has been an incredible source of information and a major thought leader and partner for the New York film and television community," said Flo Mitchell-Brown, chairperson, New York Production Alliance. "During the pandemic, much has been required of Anne and her team and they have risen to the occasion. Not only has New York production come back, but programs aimed at making our industry strong and inclusive going forward continue to grow. We are excited to continue working with Anne building on such a strong foundation."

"The Motion Picture Association is pleased that Anne del Castillo has been reappointed as commissioner of the New York City Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment," said Vans Stevenson, senior vice president for state government affairs, Motion Picture Association. "While the pandemic has posed significant challenges to streaming, television, and motion picture production, Anne has been a tireless champion for our industry at MOME. We look forward to working with Anne and all city officials to achieve the mayor's goal of continuing to grow the production industry in New York City."

"Silvercup is thrilled to congratulate Commissioner del Castillo on her reappointment to head the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment," said Kris Bagwell, executive vice president and general manager, Silvercup Studios. "Anne has done a phenomenal job helping our industry adapt and thrive in challenging times. We look forward to continuing to grow the city's film and television workforce alongside her and Mayor Adams in the years to come."

"Commissioner Castillo has been a tremendous steward of the City's Office of Media and Entertainment. The Universal Hip Hop Museum is looking forward to working with her on plans to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop in 2023," said Rocky Bucano, Executive Director, Universal Hip Hop Museum.

"The partnership between MOME and the Freelancers Union has been one of equity, consideration, and thoughtfulness. We're so excited that Anne del Castillo was reappointed to this role and we look forward to a continued partnership with MOME and Commisioner del Castillo," stated Rafael Espinal, President of the Freelancers Union.

"RPA is delighted with Clare Newman's reappointment to lead The Trust for Governors Island," said Tom Wright, president and CEO, Regional Plan Association (RPA). "Since incubating the Governor's Island Alliance in 1995, RPA has played a pivotal role in creating the Governors Island National Monument and turning the island into a great civic space that is open to all. In the face of the climate crisis, we look forward to continuing to partner with the Trust as it establishes the Center for Climate Solutions and becomes a leader for urban climate research, green jobs training, and resiliency. We have great confidence in Clare as an innovative leader who will lead this important initiative and help advance critical and equitable climate solutions that will impact us all."