Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958
Jennifer Chait (212)-788-8479
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today named Wilbur L. Chapman as the City's new Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner. A Brooklyn native, Mr. Chapman departs the City's Police Department after serving 29 years with distinction, most recently as Chief of Patrol, in charge of New York's Finest's 17,553 uniformed officers. In his new post, Mr. Chapman will oversee all operations of the Department of Transportation. Today's appointment is effective immediately.
"I am proud to appoint Wilbur Chapman as Commissioner of the City's Department of Transportation," Mayor Giuliani said. "Commissioner Chapman is a proven leader, manager and administrator who has played a large role in the success the Police Department has experienced over the past five years, reducing crime and improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers. In his new role, he will be a critical link between the Police Department and the Department of Transportation in areas that include, but are not limited to, traffic control and management. The City is exceptionally fortunate to have Commissioner Chapman. I am confident in his new position as Commissioner of the Department of Transportation he will continue his remarkable record of success.
"Commissioner Chapman has a long and distinguished career in public service," the Mayor continued. "He began his career in 1969 at the 23 Precinct in East Harlem, working his way up to Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Manhattan North. In his most recent position as Chief of Patrol, the Police Department's largest bureau, he directed and coordinated the efforts of seven patrol boroughs and special operations division. Wilbur Chapman has the managerial expertise needed to be an effective Commissioner. I welcome him to the Department of Transportation and look forward to working with him as we build upon our accomplishments."
Commissioner Chapman said, "I am deeply honored that the Mayor has given me this opportunity to continue to serve the people of the City of New York. I look forward to this new and exciting challenge and will work to ensure that the Department of Transportation operates as efficiently as possible to fulfill the needs of the various communities throughout the City."
The Mayor thanked Acting DOT Commissioner Richard A. Malchow for his stewardship of the agency over the past six months. Mr. Malchow, who has been First Deputy Commissioner at DOT since 1994, will continue in that role.
Wilbur L. Chapman, 50, joined the Police Department in March 1969 and began his career on patrol in the 23 Precinct. During his career, Commissioner Chapman has worked in the 26 Precinct, the Personnel Bureau, and Patrol Borough Queens. He also served as the Executive Officer in the Police Commissioner's office and the Commanding Officer of the 81 and 113 Precincts, Applicant Processing Division, the 12th Division of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South and the Recruitment Section. Prior to his most recent promotion to Chief of Patrol, he was the Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Manhattan North. Commissioner Chapman has served as the Chief of Patrol, the Police Department's largest bureau, since January 13, 1995.
As head of the Department of Transportation, Commissioner Chapman will oversee a budget of $448 million and a staff of 3,842. The DOT maintains City bridges, streets and arterial highways, plans for street reconstruction, regulates parking and operates parking facilities, manages the streetlighting system and traffic signal network, oversees private bus and ferry operations and operates the Staten Island Ferry.
Commissioner Chapman earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Police Science from Manhattan College and graduated from the Police Management Institute at Columbia University. A Brooklyn native, he has two daughters, Leslie, age 8, and Lisa, age 6.
An avid Jazz musician for 38 years, Commissioner Chapman can be heard playing the Vibraphone tonight at the JVC Jazz Festival Reception at Gracie Mansion.
The salary for Department of Transportation Commissioner is $136,990.