Governor Hochul Announces Nomination Of Adrienne Harris As Superintendent Of The Department Of Financial Services
Former Economic Advisor to President Obama to Become New York's Top Financial Regulator

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Adrienne Harris has been nominated to lead the New York State Department of Financial Services as its next Superintendent. Formerly a top economic advisor to President Obama, Ms. Harris will become the state's top financial regulator tasked with overseeing the banking and insurance industries and their compliance with state laws as New York works to rebuild its economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, if confirmed by the Senate.

"As I've said from the moment I took office, I will be assembling the strongest possible team to help New York move towards a brighter future and with Adrienne Harris as our state's top financial regulator, New Yorkers can rest assured that this administration isn't simply focused on just protecting consumers, but on advancing an equitable economic recovery that seeks to lift up all citizens, not just the privileged few," Governor Hochul said. "From her time working with President Obama to help the nation forge a path forward in the aftermath of 2007's Great Recession to her vast experience in the private sector helping ensure companies of all sizes act as good corporate citizens, there is no one better suited to help lead this state's economy forward and I, for one, cannot wait to get to work with Adrienne to deliver real results for the people of this great state."

"I am honored and humbled by the privilege to work with Governor Hochul to serve the people of New York," Adrienne Harris said. "Under her leadership, we will work together to ensure we have a robust and fair financial system, and an equitable economy. New Yorkers deserve no less. I look forward to getting to work."

Ms. Harris began her career as an Associate at Sullivan and Cromwell LLP in New York City representing a number of U.S. and non-U.S. based corporations in various forms of litigation and regulatory matters, before accepting a position at the United States Department of the Treasury under President Obama. While at the Treasury Department, Ms. Harris served as a Senior Advisor to both Acting Deputy Secretary and Under Secretary for Domestic Finance, Mary Miller, and Deputy Secretary, Sarah Bloom Raskin. As Senior Advisor, Ms. Harris focused on a number of financial policy issue areas which were, and continue to be, critical to the advancement of the national economy. This work ranged from helping jumpstart national financial reform efforts to finding ways to advance fintech, identifying solutions to the student loan crisis, analyzing the nexus between foreign investment and national security, and working to promote financial intelligence and health in communities throughout the country.

Following her time at the Treasury Department, Ms. Harris then joined The White House, where she was appointed as Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, as part of the National Economic Council. In this role, Ms. Harris managed the financial services portfolio, which included developing and executing strategies for financial reform and the implementation of Dodd-Frank, while also continuing to advance fintech initiatives, consumer protections for the American public, cybersecurity and housing finance reform priorities.

Since leaving the White House in January 2017, Ms. Harris went on to serve as General Counsel and Chief Business Officer, and presently as Advisor at States Title, Inc. (now DOMA), which provides title insurance and settlement services in a number of state throughout the nation. Ms. Harris also currently serves as a Professor and Faculty Co-Director at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy's Center on Finance, Law and Policy at the University of Michigan, as well as a Senior Advisor at the Brunswick Group in Washington D.C. where she advises multinational corporations on mergers and acquisitions, stakeholder communications and management, future-proofing and policy intelligence.

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said, "This is a very strong appointment. Adrienne Harris has incredible experience with the Obama Administration, particularly around protecting consumers. I look forward to working with Ms. Harris in my capacity as a Member of the Financial Services Committee."

Congressman Hakeem Jeffries said, "Adrienne Harris is a dedicated public servant, accomplished policy expert and an outstanding choice to lead the Department of Financial Services. I commend Governor Hochul on this appointment and look forward to working together to protect consumers and foster economic growth."

Black Economic Alliance Executive Director David G. Clunie said, "With an unparalleled array of impressive experience at the highest levels of government and business, Adrienne Harris is a phenomenal choice to lead DFS. She is no stranger to working hard for the people, and New Yorkers will be well served by this appointment. Governor Hochul has made a smart choice putting her trust in Adrienne to take DFS to new heights."

Financial Health Network President and CEO Jennifer Tescher said, "In addition to her expertise in government, law, and financial services, Adrienne brings a deep commitment to consumer financial health and well-being, making her uniquely qualified to serve as DFS Superintendent. I am eager to see what she and Governor Hochul accomplish together."

Ms. Harris graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and subsequently earned her Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School and a Master's in Business Administration from New York University.