Adams has dedicated his life to addressing the challenges facing urban communities through public service, innovation, and leadership. His career has been defined by a commitment to public safety, economic opportunity, housing, government modernization, and the use of technology to solve longstanding societal problems.
Education
- Bayside High School — Queens, New York
- New York City College of Technology — Associate Degree
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice — Bachelor's Degree
- Marist College — Master's Degree in Public Administration
Early Career: Law Enforcement & Technology
Adams joined the New York City Police Department and served for more than 22 years, retiring with the rank of Captain.
During his law enforcement career, Adams developed a strong interest in technology and computer programming. He worked on technology initiatives within the Transit Police Department and was instrumental in helping develop and modernize computerized crime analysis and investigative systems. His work contributed to the advancement of one of the department's early online crime-tracking and information-sharing platforms, improving the ability of investigators and commanders to identify crime patterns and deploy resources more effectively.
New York State Senator
In 2006, Adams was elected to the New York State Senate, representing Central Brooklyn.
During his tenure, he served as Chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs. In this role, Adams focused on emergency preparedness, homeland security, and emerging cybersecurity threats. He helped advance discussions and policies aimed at strengthening New York's ability to combat cybercrime and protect critical infrastructure in an increasingly digital world.
Brooklyn Borough President
Adams served as the 18th Borough President of Brooklyn from 2014 to 2021.
As Brooklyn's chief executive, Adams focused on economic development, public health initiatives, educational opportunity, criminal justice reform, housing development, and technology and innovation. He helped attract investment to Brooklyn, supported entrepreneurs and small businesses, and promoted the borough as a global center for innovation, technology, and creative industries.
Mayor of New York City
In 2022, Adams became the 110th Mayor of New York City, leading America's largest city during one of the most challenging periods in its modern history.
Leading New York City's Recovery
Adams guided New York City's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on restoring economic activity, reopening businesses, revitalizing tourism, and helping New Yorkers return to work and daily life.
Managing One of the World's Largest Municipal Governments
As Mayor, Adams oversaw a municipal budget exceeding $115 billion annually and managed a workforce serving more than eight million residents, making New York City one of the largest and most complex governmental operations in the world.
Record Job Growth
Under his leadership, New York City achieved record employment levels and experienced one of the strongest periods of job growth in its history. His administration focused on expanding opportunities in technology, life sciences, healthcare, tourism, small business development, and emerging industries.
Historic Housing Production & Reform
Adams led what many consider the most comprehensive housing reform effort in New York City's history. His administration:
- Advanced major zoning reforms
- Accelerated housing production
- Expanded affordable housing opportunities
- Promoted transit-oriented development
- Streamlined development and permitting processes
- Increased opportunities for mixed-income communities
His policies helped drive record or near-record housing production while addressing the city's longstanding housing shortage.
Public Safety Innovation
Adams positioned New York City as a leader in government technology and innovation. His administration expanded:
- Drone-assisted emergency response programs
- Real-time crime analysis capabilities
- Data-driven public safety strategies
- Artificial intelligence pilot programs
- Advanced language translation technologies that improved access to city services for residents speaking virtually any language
These initiatives reflected his longstanding belief that technology can make government more effective, accessible, and responsive.
Managing Crisis
From the COVID-19 global pandemic to the migrant crisis, Adams led New York City's response to some of the largest humanitarian challenges in the city's history.
Chief Executive Officer, EA International Holdings
Following his service as Mayor, Adams became Chief Executive Officer of EA International Holdings, where he focuses on identifying, developing, and deploying innovative technologies that address some of the world's most pressing challenges.
Drawing on more than forty years of experience in public safety, government leadership, infrastructure management, and economic development, Adams works with governments, investors, technology companies, and international partners to advance solutions in critical sectors, including:
- Clean and reliable electricity generation
- Water security and access to safe drinking water
- Advanced housing and construction technologies
- Infrastructure resilience and modernization
- Data center development and energy independence
- Sustainable economic development
- Public safety innovation and smart city technologies
Under Adams' leadership, EA International Holdings seeks to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and real-world challenges facing cities, states, and nations. The company focuses on bringing innovative solutions to communities seeking reliable power, clean water, resilient infrastructure, housing solutions, and long-term economic growth.
Leadership Philosophy
Throughout his career, Adams has maintained a consistent belief that innovation, technology, and effective leadership can solve many of society's most difficult challenges.
After more than four decades of public service, his mission remains focused on connecting transformative technologies with communities that need them most. Through government service and now through private-sector leadership, Adams continues to work toward creating safer communities, stronger economies, modern infrastructure, expanded housing opportunities, and a higher quality of life for future generations.
Eric Adams' career reflects a unique combination of public safety experience, government leadership, technology innovation, economic development expertise, and a commitment to solving real-world problems through practical and forward-thinking solutions.