The health commissioner chosen by Democrat Mayor Eric Adams to lead New York City out of the Covid pandemic tendered his resignation on Monday.
In resigning, the commissioner, Dr. Ashwin Vasan, , became the third top official to depart the Adams administration this month, amid multiple federal investigations of the mayor’s inner circle.
Vasan, a mental health expert, cited a desire to spend more time with his family in his decision to step down, which takes effect early next year.
“As anyone with a family – or a chosen family – knows, you are never alone in service. My wife and three young children have served alongside me, bearing the brunt of my absence and shouldering so much,” Dr. Vasan said in a statement. “I’m grateful for their love and have chosen that now it is time to support them and their well-being.”
A City Hall spokesman, William Fowler, said Dr. Vasan’s departure was not related to the federal investigations, and the commissioner affirmed that in a brief interview.