Lisa Zornberg, the Chief Counsel to Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, has resigned from her position amid federal investigations into potential conflicts of interest. Zornberg, who has been with Adams’s office since 2014, submitted her resignation letter last week, citing personal reasons for her departure.
The federal investigations into Zornberg’s conduct began earlier this year, after reports surfaced that she may have used her position to benefit a private consulting firm that she co-owned. The firm, which specializes in land use and zoning issues, had reportedly received contracts from developers who were seeking approvals from the Borough President’s office.
These allegations raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and ethics violations, prompting federal authorities to launch an investigation into Zornberg’s activities. While Zornberg has denied any wrongdoing, the ongoing probe has cast a shadow over her tenure as Chief Counsel to Adams.
In her resignation letter, Zornberg expressed her regret over the situation and stated that she did not want the controversy to distract from the important work being done by the Borough President’s office. She also thanked Adams for the opportunity to serve in his administration and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Adams, who is currently running for Mayor of New York City, has not commented on Zornberg’s resignation or the federal investigations. However, he has appointed a new Chief Counsel to replace Zornberg and ensure that the office continues to operate smoothly.
The resignation of Lisa Zornberg comes at a critical time for Eric Adams, as he seeks to build momentum for his mayoral campaign and solidify his position as a frontrunner in the race. The controversy surrounding Zornberg’s departure could potentially damage Adams’s reputation and raise questions about his judgment in hiring key staff members.
As the federal investigations into Zornberg’s conduct continue, the spotlight will remain on Eric Adams and his administration. It remains to be seen how this controversy will impact his mayoral campaign and whether he can effectively address concerns about potential conflicts of interest within his inner circle.