News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 1, 2022

James Boyd to Serve as Deputy Commissioner of Public Information

DOC veteran brings a dynamic background of public service to the City of New York

East Elmhurst, NY – DOC is pleased to announce that it has a new Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Public Information (DCPI). James Boyd, who has served New York City for more than 15 years, will take over the DOC unit responsible for both internal and external communications.

Mr. Boyd previously headed up DOC’s Internal Communications Unit, where as Assistant Commissioner he distinguished himself by producing critical and constant messaging about COVID-19 testing and vaccines as they became available. That followed over three years of service as the Director and then Executive Director of DOC’s Office of Constituent and Grievance Services (OCGS), which initiates responses to concerns and complaints from both people in custody and the wider community. During his time at OCGS, he was instrumental in revamping, streamlining, modernizing, and transparentizing the entire grievance and resolution tracking process.

Prior to joining DOC, Mr. Boyd served at the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), where he held several roles in the Division of Communication and Community Affairs, including Deputy Director, Community Relations & Intergovernmental Affairs, and Intergovernmental Affairs Associate.

Notably, Mr. Boyd began public service right here at DOC, where he served as a correction officer at the George Motchan Detention Center (GMDC). He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, as well as a certificate from the City of New York Leadership Institute.

“Mr. Boyd’s operational and communications background, combined with his knowledge and experience as a correction officer, make him a uniquely qualified candidate,” said Correction Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “He is well-known in the department for his professionalism and integrity, and as someone deeply committed to his work.”

“I had the honor of working with Deputy Commissioner Boyd when he held a key position on the leadership team at the NYC Administration for Children’s Services,” said Ronald E. Richter, former ACS Commissioner and current CEO of the Jewish Child Care Association of New York. “Mr. Boyd brought to ACS a deep understanding of NYC’s diverse communities and the importance and value of working with elected officials. He advanced an emphasis in our practice on client and family voice that strengthened the agency. I am thrilled that Mr. Boyd has been selected for this role at the Department of Correction, the agency where he got his start as a correction officer.”

“It is an absolute honor to head up Public Information and I am grateful to Commissioner Molina for promoting me to this critical role,” said Mr. Boyd. “DCPI plays a vital part in providing New Yorkers with transparency of their correctional system. Both our internal and external communications teams work very hard to inform both the department and the public. I am thankful to be running such a dedicated unit.”

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The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment while providing individuals in our care with a path to successfully re-enter their communities.