I doubt Cirillo taking over was the first time the family used some kind of a ruling panel but, according to prosecutors, he did establish one after he took over.

It seems to me that the ruling panel makes major decisions and sets overall policy. However, as we've seen, there has been a succession of acting bosses (all from the ruling panel, most from what is known as the old 116th St/East Harlem-Bronx crew) over the same time frame. I can only guess that the acting boss is the guy who oversees things day to day.

Mods should mind their own business and leave poster's profile signatures alone.