Following the announcement on Monday, September 29, that Superintendent Harris has decided to leave DFS, external stakeholders have reached out to congratulate the Superintendent and recognize the work of the Department in improving the lives of New Yorkers over the last four years.
Congressman Gregory Meeks: “Superintendent Harris has led DFS with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting consumers while fostering innovation in the financial services sector. By championing Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and expanding minority banking access, she has opened doors for small businesses, families, and communities that have long been underserved. I thank her for her service and lasting contributions to New York.”
Congressman Ritchie Torres: “Superintendent Harris has been a true partner in protecting consumers and strengthening New York’s financial system. Under her leadership, DFS pushed for innovation, expanded access to financial services, and worked to make our markets fair. I’m grateful for her service and proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together for New Yorkers. I wish her nothing but the best in what comes next.”
State Senator Liz Krueger, Chair of the New York State Senate Finance Committee: “It has been an honor working together with Superintendent Harris throughout her tenure at DFS. She has been a champion for the needs of New Yorkers, whether through safeguarding access to the full spectrum of reproductive care, standing up for older New Yorkers in the face of insurance company malfeasance, or, most recently, protecting New Yorkers' access to that COVID vaccine. I wish her the best of luck in her next role.”
State Senator James Sanders Jr., Chair of the New York State Senate Banks Committee: “I want to heartily congratulate New York State Department of Financial Services Superintendent Adrienne Harris for serving honorably and professionally during her tenure as the chief regulator of the State that is a global leader in banking. Superintendent Harris’ leadership has addressed many emerging issues including cryptocurrency, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, climate change, as well as the long-term issues of banking discrimination, a sound banking system, and many others. I wish Superintendent Harris well on her future endeavors. As Chair of the Senate Banks Committee, I look forward to working with the incoming Acting Superintendent Kaitlin Asrow.”
State Senator Zellnor Myrie, Chair of the New York State Senate Codes Committee: “As Superintendent, Adrienne Harris has fought to ensure financial services work for all New Yorkers. In a moment when consumers are especially vulnerable to fraud and manipulation, Superintendent Harris and DFS have worked to build an equitable, fair and transparent financial system. I'm grateful for her service to our state and look forward to continuing the work of keeping more money in New Yorkers' pockets.”
State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes: “I want to thank Superintendent Harris for her steadfast commitment to the people of the State of New York during her tenure leading the Department of Financial Services. Superintendent Harris’ many notable accomplishments ensured New York remained the trusted financial capital of the world while always looking out for the consumers’ best interests. She will be missed, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
State Assemblymember David Weprin, Chair of the New York State Assembly Insurance Committee: “I want to thank Superintendent Adrienne Harris for her partnership and her dedication to protecting consumers and strengthening New York’s insurance market. Her commitment to protecting policyholders and ensuring fair, transparent oversight has made a real difference for families and business across our state. Her collaborative leadership at DFS has been invaluable, and I wish her the very best in her future endeavors.”
State Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh, Chair of the New York State Assembly Governmental Operations Committee: “Superintendent Harris has been a true breath of fresh air during her four years as Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services (DFS). We immediately connected on the issue of governing Pharmaceutical Benefit Managers (PBMs) and we have had a strong start in regulating this area which is important to consumers, providers, and payors. That being said, I do not believe many people understand the full breadth and depth of the range of topics DFS covers and I have been with Adrienne in many different forums over the past four years and am amazed at the depth of her knowledge on even the most minor of issues. This is a reflection of her commitment to the people of New York and the close working relationship with the team and staff she has worked hard to develop over her time as Superintendent. Her presences and expertise will be missed, but I am comforted by the fact that she leaves DFS in a much better place than she found it. I wish her the best in her next chapter.”
State Assemblymember Clyde Vanel, Chair of the New York State Assembly Banks Committee: “Protecting consumers and safeguarding the stability of our financial system are at the very heart of the Department of Financial Services’ mission, and under Superintendent Adrienne Harris’s leadership, those priorities were elevated to new heights. From day one, she demonstrated a bold vision for what responsible and forward-looking regulation should look like in an age of rapid technological and economic change. During her tenure, she drove significant progress in areas such as cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, advanced cybersecurity protections, and championed efforts to secure restitution for victims harmed by financial institutions. I am confident that the strong foundation she built will continue to benefit both consumers and the financial services industry for years to come. I wish her nothing but success as she takes the next steps in her remarkable career, and I have no doubt Acting Superintendent Kaitlin Asrow will make a fantastic successor.”
Assemblymember Alex Bores: "I am sad to see Superintendent Harris leave her role at DFS, where she has been invaluable to the protection of New York’s consumers. Leading from the front, when a constituent of mine was affected by a specific DFS stance, Superintendent Harris gave the issue her personal attention to resolve the matter and changed DFS policy to properly accommodate. I look forward to working with the new superintendent, who will be tasked with filling the shoes of one of the most capable public servants I have had the pleasure of working with."
Elisabeth R. Benjamin, Vice President of Health Initiatives at the Community Service Society of New York, leader of the statewide #EndMedicalDebt campaign, and member of the DFS Consumer Protection Advisory Council: “Under Superintendent Adrienne Harris’ tremendous leadership, New York was able to achieve important strides for health care affordability. The Hochul Administration and Superintendent Harris led the way on abolishing co-payments for insulin and expunging medical debt from tens of thousands of credit reports. These policies help tens of thousands of New York healthcare consumers maintain their economic security in these turbulent times. We look forward to continuing to improve health insurance affordability under Acting Superintendent Kaitlin Asrow.”
Mike Pierce, Executive Director of Protect Borrowers and member of the DFS Consumer Protection Advisory Council: “Superintendent Harris fought for New Yorkers as they've struggled to shoulder rising costs and navigate a shifting and risky financial services market. From housing and healthcare to cars and college, debt shapes how New York families participate in the modern economy. Superintendent Harris understands how debt and predatory financial companies squeeze New Yorkers and leaves behind a legacy as a champion for working families.”
Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO, Partnership for New York City: “Adrienne has transformed the Department of Financial Services from an obscure bureaucracy into a smart, responsive regulator. She is a highly respected, national leader in addressing the complex issues associated with a rapidly changing financial industry.”
Brandon Milhorn, President & CEO of the Conference of State Banking Supervisors: “Superintendent Harris has been a strong advocate for state authority and expertise, particularly in digital assets. Her leadership on the CSBS Board and FSOC strengthened the state system and advanced a more dynamic and resilient financial system.”
Rose Marie Glazer, General Counsel of AIG and member of the DFS Insurance Advisory Board: “AIG would like to thank Superintendent Harris for her exemplary leadership and stewardship during her tenure, and we are looking forward to working with Acting Superintendent Asrow going forward.”
Karen Ignani, Chair of Emblem Health and member of the DFS Insurance Advisory Board: “Superintendent Harris’ efforts have ensured that New York has set the regulatory bar on critical national issues, such as cybersecurity and the use of artificial intelligence.”
Laura Evangelista, President/CEO of LICONY: “Throughout her tenure, Superintendent Harris prioritized dialogue and partnership with LICONY and New York’s life insurance industry. By maintaining a consistent and thoughtful exchange of ideas and concerns, she promoted a regulatory environment that supports both the industry and the millions of New Yorkers who rely on life insurance for financial security. We are grateful for her partnership and look forward to continuing this constructive relationship with Acting Superintendent Asrow.”
A full list of DFS accomplishments during Superintendent Harris’s tenure are available here.
