- Antiguan Lynelle Maginley-Liddie creates history, heads NYC Department of Correction
Lynelle Maginley-Liddie, the first Caribbean national and second Black woman to serve as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction (NYCDOC) in its 128-year existence, has made history.
Maginley-Liddie, who was born on the island of Antigua and is the daughter of a minister, attributed her success and career to her trust in God and the support of her family.
Given her eclectic background – Caribbean upbringing in a Christian household, strong family ties, and experiences living in “the melting pot that is the gorgeous mosaic of New York City” – Maginley-Liddie stated that she “always aims to abide by a healthy moral compass.”
She praised her parents for teaching her “to be impartial, just, and approach life (and work) with a sense of compassion.”
Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, said: “Lynelle Maginley-Liddie has spent the better part of a decade at the Department of Correction, and I am confident that she is the right person to lead the department going forward” .
He noted that Magingley-Liddle had played “a significant role in the progress we have made over the last 23 months at NYCDOC, supporting this administration’s efforts to reverse decades of mismanagement and neglect on Rikers Island (Correctional Facility in New York)” .
Adams stated that she is ready to take over this agency at such a critical juncture.
“Public safety and justice are prerequisites for prosperity, and our administration will continue to ensure dignity, safety, and care for the hardworking staff in our correction facilities, as well as all detainees in our care, under the leadership of Commissioner Maginley-Liddie.”
“She is a steady hand who will carry on the good work of Louis Molina, now Assistant Deputy Mayor for Public Safety.” I appreciate everything Lou did at the Department of Correction and look forward to working with him in this new capacity.”
Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix, the Corporation Counsel for New York City, described Maginley-Liddie as “a dedicated public servant who is committed to building upon the work the administration has done to effectuate the changes needed at Rikers.”
Maginley-Liddie, she added, is “familiar with every aspect of NYCDOC’s operations and superbly qualified to assist the city in ensuring compliance with the consent decree.”
“The Law Department looks forward to working with Commissioner Maginley-Liddie in her new role,” she said.
Maginley-Liddie inn expressed gratitude to dams for appointing her to the position, saying she is delighted “to lead and serve this department and the people of this great city.”
“As Commissioner, I will work tirelessly to support our staff and to create safe and humane environments for those entrusted to us.” I also commit to follow and create standards for best practices in corrections; the folks who work and live in our facilities deserve nothing less.”
Maginley-Liddie told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) during Women’s tradition Month celebrations in March that the Department of Correction is “an agency that has a rich history of promoting women, particularly women of colour, to leadership positions.”
“Fourty-three percent of women in this agency are correction officers, and women hold 57% of leadership positions.” As a woman of colour, I understand the importance of this position–not only for myself, but also for the staff at this organisation. My representation spans a wide range of our personnel.
“I hope that when others see me in this role, they will learn from my journey to get here.” I want people to see themselves in leadership roles and to believe that they can achieve any position of authority inside the agency in order to affect meaningful change.”
Maginley-Liddie has worked for the City of New York since 2015, first as an agency attorney in the Legal Division and then as deputy general counsel in 2018, where she supervised the department’s General Litigation Unit.
She was elevated to acting senior deputy commissioner and chief diversity officer in August 2020.
Maginley-Liddie previously worked as an associate at the New York law firm Leader Berkon Colao & Silverstein LLP.
