Mayor Eric Adams’ Partner Retires from Education Department Amid Allegations
Quiet Retirement
Tracey Collins, Mayor Eric Adams’ romantic partner, has quietly retired from her senior position at the Education Department amid allegations that she didn’t show up to work and failed to disclose luxury travel benefits.
Allegations of No-Show Job
Collins, who received a significant promotion and a roughly $50,000 raise after Adams took office in 2022, wrapped up her last day of work on November 1. A former department employee tipped off city investigators that Collins "has had a no-show job," according to a complaint obtained by Chalkbeat and first reported by the New York Post. The former employee, who requested anonymity, said Collins had not appeared at work since last Thanksgiving.
Investigation
A spokesperson for the Special Commissioner of Investigation confirmed they received the complaint and are "looking into the matter." The city’s Department of Investigation is also reviewing the allegations, according to the Daily News, which first reported Collins’ retirement. A DOI spokesperson declined to comment.
Work Calendar
Some evidence seems to back concerns about Collins’ absence. In the eight months after being promoted as a senior advisor in the Division of School Leadership, about three-quarters of the days on her work calendar were empty, according to records first revealed by Chalkbeat. Her calendar showed about 40 scheduled meetings and events, including "hot heat" sessions to review superintendent performance, a one-on-one sitdown with a school food leader, and meetings with officials managing the influx of migrant students.
Department Response
Education Department spokesperson Nathaniel Styer did not say why Collins retired. "Ms. Collins served public school students for over 30 years as a teacher, principal, and administrator, and we wish her the best in her retirement," Styer wrote in an email. He noted that her responsibilities included "strategic planning, making recommendations on agency priorities, and providing advice and support to senior leadership."
Travel Allegations
Collins was thrust into the spotlight through the mayor’s federal indictment last month. She allegedly benefitted from tens of thousands of dollars in travel perks from Turkish officials who sought to influence Adams, according to the indictment. Those benefits were not listed on Collins’ financial disclosure forms as required, Politico first reported. Adams also omitted them.
Conclusion
The retirement of Tracey Collins, Mayor Eric Adams’ romantic partner, amid allegations of a no-show job and failure to disclose luxury travel benefits raises questions about the accountability of city officials. The investigation into these allegations is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what consequences, if any, Collins will face.
FAQs
Q: What are the allegations against Tracey Collins?
A: Collins is accused of not showing up to work and failing to disclose luxury travel benefits.
Q: What was Collins’ role at the Education Department?
A: Collins was a senior advisor in the Division of School Leadership and later moved to be a senior advisor for the deputy chancellor of family and community engagement.
Q: Why did Collins retire?
A: The Education Department did not provide a reason for Collins’ retirement.
Q: Is Collins facing any consequences for her alleged actions?
A: The investigation into these allegations is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what consequences, if any, Collins will face.
