Jessica Tisch Appoints Ryan Merola as NYPD Chief of Staff in Historic Move

Merola becomes the highest-ranking openly gay officer in NYPD history as Tisch begins reshaping department leadership.

Ryan Merola, a longtime aide to Commissioner Jessica Tisch, has been named NYPD Chief of Staff just three days into her tenure.
Merola previously served as Tisch’s Chief of Staff at the Department of Sanitation and has a history of public service in NYPD technology and counterterrorism roles.
This appointment makes Merola the highest-ranking openly gay officer in NYPD history, a milestone celebrated by the Gay Officers Action League.
Merola replaces Tarik Sheppard, who had been acting Chief of Staff under interim Commissioner Thomas Donlon and will return to his role as Deputy Commissioner for Public Information.
Tisch's swift personnel decision signals her intent to modernize and reform the NYPD amidst challenges like high attrition rates and morale issues.