And she is renewing the commitment to keep show business coming back to New York.
On what looked like a movie set, the mayor announced his choice for managing the city's link to the film and television industries.
Lopez is a native New Yorker and an award-winning executive producer of documentaries for television and film.
"I am truly humbled by this appointment and thrilled at the opportunities that lie ahead," said Lopez.
She is the first person of color to be named to the very important position. Lopez was raised in Brooklyn, of Puerto Rican descent.
At the announcement Friday, she met young graduates of a program that trains low income, minority New Yorkers to be production assistants.
"When we think about all the jobs that could be created, we want to make sure that people of color have access to those opportunities," she said.
So apparently the lights, cameras and action will continue under Mayor de Blasio, even though there was reportedly some concern that the lateness of this appointment of a new Commissioner meant that he would not be as supportive.
"The city has been so deeply committed to the industry and we're going to continue that commitment and we're going to deepen that commitment," said de Blasio.
Steiner Studios was chosen as the venue for the announcement. The site is 50 acres and expanding, a major part of what has become a multi-billion dollar industry in the city.
"These are really good jobs, they're clean jobs and it's an industry that wants to be here. This is not something that can be made in China anytime soon," said Steiner Studios owner Douglas Steiner.
"I also want to continue to develop a financially responsible department that is a major revenue source for the City of New York," said Lopez. And she says she will use her 20 years of experience to help get the job done.
