Christopher Watler Named New York City Board of Correction Chair

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Christopher Watler as Chair of New York City’s Board of Correction, an independent board that oversees minimum standards for jail conditions, including physical and mental healthcare.  

According to a press release from Mayor Mamdani’s office, Watler will lead the board and work with the administration to improve conditions for people in custody and correctional staff , strengthen accountability across the city’s jail system and close the Rikers Island facility.  

Watler has served as Executive Vice President and New York State Program Executive Director at the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), where he led efforts to connect people returning from incarceration with employment opportunities and reentry services. He also spent more than two decades at the Center for Justice Innovation developing reentry, diversion and eviction-prevention programs. 

“I am honored by this appointment and deeply grateful to the Mayor for entrusting me with this position,” said Watler. “In this position, I look forward to working with my colleagues on the board, the dedicated BOC staff, NYC DOCs leadership, union leaders, advocates, City Council, the Correctional Health Services Team, Remediation Manager, Federal Monitor and other partners to ensure the safety and humane treatment of the people held in the city’s care and the safety of our staff and partners working in the jails.” 

Watler holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from SUNY Purchase and a master’s degree in public administration from John Jay College. He succeeds interim Chair Felipe Franco, who will remain on the board.