New York City has named Chris Alexander as the next chair and executive director of its Commission on Racial Equity. His term starts August 1, 2027, not immediately.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin announced the appointment October 29. Current leader Linda Tigani will remain through July 31, 2027.
A statewide civil-rights background
Alexander has led the NAACP New York State Conference since 2024. He previously became the first executive director of the state Office of Cannabis Management.
According to the city, his policy experience includes work on policing reform and the repeal of Section 50-a, which restricted public access to police disciplinary records.
What readers should watch
The announcement sets a future leadership change. It should not be confused with an immediate change to city services or eligibility rules.
Source: NYC Mayor’s Office, October 29, 2026.
