Call it the de Blasio Shuffle.
Director of the Mayor's Office of Management and Budget Melanie Hartzog is becoming deputy mayor for health and human services, Hizzoner announced Monday, while Finance Department Commissioner Jacques Jiha will take over Hartzog's old spot.
It's the latest in a series of staff changes during a chaotic year at City Hall.
Dr. Raul Perea-Henze stepped down as deputy mayor for health and human services last month.
© Barry WilliamsFormer New York City Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Melanie Hartzog, right, speaks at Mayor de Blasio looks on during the Fiscal Year 2020 Executive Budget Address at city hall Thursday, April 24, 2019 in Manhattan, New York.
Former New York City Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Melanie Hartzog, right, speaks at Mayor de Blasio looks on during the Fiscal Year 2020 Executive Budget Address at city hall Thursday, April 24, 2019 in Manhattan, New York. (Barry Williams/)
Other departures this year include Dr. Oxiris Barbot, the beleaguered former health commissioner, several Education Department high-ups and former Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia, who's making de Blasio-bashing a central theme of her mayoral campaign. Then there's a small army of staffers in revolt over the mayor's handling of anti-police-brutality protests during the summer.
"Melanie and Jacques have the experience and vision necessary to support New Yorkers during this crisis and guide our City through financial hardship. Thanks to them, New Yorkers can expect an even brighter future," Hizzoner said in a statement.