Iris Rodriguez-Rosa Appointed As Newest Parks Commissioner

NEW YORK CITY — Mayor Eric Adams on Sunday appointed Iris Rodriguez-Rosa as the newest parks commissioner, making her the first Latina to hold this position.

Rodriguez-Rosa is a NYC Parks veteran of nearly four decades, serving in different roles throughout the department during the course of her career; most recently as first deputy commissioner, where she oversaw the city’s lifeguards and helped rebuild the workforce despite national lifeguard shortages, officials said.

The new commissioner also joined Adams to announce the completion of a $23 million project to revitalize nearly three acres of NYCHA open space — including playgrounds, sports equipment, and seating areas — across three developments in Queens, two developments in the Bronx, and one development in Brooklyn.

"Iris Rodriguez-Rosa has served New Yorkers for her entire career, with an unwavering commitment to nurturing and growing our precious parks, ensuring they are available for all. I have full confidence that she will carry forward that dedication as NYC Parks commissioner, and we look forward to delivering all New Yorkers safer, cleaner parks across the five boroughs,” Adams said.

Rodriguez-Rosa said she was "excited and honored" to assume the position of parks commissioner.

“Parks are the green spaces that serve as a great equalizer in our city and ensure everyone can get outside and enjoy our nature areas, playgrounds, beaches, pools, and recreation centers. I thank Mayor Adams for this appointment," Rodriguez-Rosa said