A high-ranking New York City Board of Elections official faces serious allegations of inappropriate behavior toward female staff members.
According to the New York Post, Board of Elections Executive Director Michael Ryan remains in his $289,662 position despite the Department of Investigation's recommendation for his termination following accusations of sexual harassment and racial discrimination.
The investigation began after a female employee resigned and reportedly sought therapy due to Ryan's alleged harassment over four months in the previous year. A second female staff member later came forward with similar allegations, leading to a comprehensive probe that revealed multiple instances of inappropriate behavior and racially insensitive comments.
Sexual Harassment Claims Paint Disturbing Pattern of Behavior
One of the most serious allegations involves Ryan, who was 58 at the time, asking a female staffer about age differences in dating relationships. Administrative manager Michael Corbett was reportedly present during this incident. The female employee described feeling physically ill during the encounter, characterizing Ryan's behavior as "grooming."
The same woman reported that Ryan attempted to touch her face and made suggestive gestures, including puckering his lips at her. These actions reportedly made her "extremely uncomfortable," according to the Department of Investigation's findings.
The investigation revealed that both women experienced racial stereotyping from Ryan. One employee of Hispanic descent reported that Ryan made derogatory comments about Puerto Ricans and Dominicans, while another staff member of South Asian origin faced inappropriate questions about her ethnicity.
Board Takes Limited Disciplinary Action Despite Serious Recommendations
In response to these allegations, Ryan released a statement expressing his position. He said:
While I dispute these allegations and disagree with the report's conclusion, I accept the determination of the Commissioners in the best interest of the Agency.
The Board's disciplinary measures included sending Ryan to sensitivity training and implementing a three-week unpaid suspension, falling short of the DOI's recommendation for termination. Ryan has been placed on a one-year probation period as part of these measures.
The Board of Elections' President Rodney Pepe-Souvenir and Secretary Frederic Umane addressed the situation through an official statement on social media, acknowledging Ryan's expression of regret and his commitment to improvement.
History of Misconduct Plagues Elections Board Leadership
This incident is not isolated within the Board of Elections. In 2022, the organization faced another scandal when its top lawyer, Steve Richman, pleaded guilty to abusing his position by sexually harassing an intern and another subordinate.
The Department of Investigation has made six recommendations to address these issues, including mandatory regular harassment training and the appointment of an Equal Employment Opportunity officer to handle complaints and investigations.
Multiple witnesses corroborated the allegations against Ryan, though he either denied them or claimed no memory of the incidents. The report noted that his position of leadership made his conduct particularly concerning.
Steps Forward As Agency Faces Reform Demands
Michael Ryan, the Executive Director of NYC's Board of Elections, continues in his role despite serious allegations of sexual harassment and racial discrimination against female staffers. The Department of Investigation's recommendation for his termination resulted instead in sensitivity training, a three-week suspension, and one-year probation. The case has prompted calls for systemic changes within the agency, including enhanced harassment training and the creation of new oversight positions to prevent future misconduct.
