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Meet the Team: Who's Running New York City Now?

New York City, USAThursday, January 1, 2026
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New York City has a fresh face leading the charge, and it's not just the mayor making waves. Zohran Mamdani, the youngest mayor in recent history, has assembled a diverse team to tackle the city's big challenges.

Key Appointments

  • Dean Fuleihan - First Deputy Mayor A seasoned pro at 74, bringing a wealth of experience to balance Mamdani's youthful energy.

  • Elle Bisgaard-Church - Chief of Staff Mamdani's former chief of staff and campaign manager, showing loyalty to those who helped build his political base.

  • Leila Bozorg - Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning With a background in civil service and a key role in negotiating the City of Yes for Housing rezoning policy.

  • Julie Su - Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice A newcomer to New York, bringing a national perspective to local issues.

  • Helen Arteaga - Health and Human Services Her journey from Ecuador to Queens mirrors Mamdani's own immigrant story.

  • Julia Kerson - Deputy Mayor for Operations A veteran of the de Blasio administration, overseeing agencies like Transportation and Sanitation.

  • Jessica Tisch - Police Commissioner A familiar face in city bureaucracy, committed to working together for a safer New York.

  • Lillian Bonsignore - Fire Commissioner A retired FDNY chief, bringing a fresh perspective to an agency that handles more than just fires.

  • Kamar Samuels - Schools Chancellor A rising star in the education world, poised to make a significant impact on the city's education system.

  • Sherif Soliman - Director of the Office of Management and Budget With experience under three different mayors, well-equipped to handle the city's massive budget.

  • Jahmila Edwards - Director of Intergovernmental Affairs A seasoned union operative, crucial in coordinating efforts between city, state, and federal officials.

  • Steven Banks - Corporation Counsel A de Blasio alum, nominated to lead the Law Department.

  • Sam Levine - Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner A recent transplant from the Federal Trade Commission, focusing on protecting workers and consumers.

  • Mitchell Katz - President and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals A familiar face, renominated for his experience and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Ramzi Kassem - Chief Counsel A legal expert with a background in immigration and civil rights.

  • Louise Yeung - Chief Climate Officer A climate policy expert, crucial in addressing the city's climate challenges.

  • Mike Flynn - Department of Transportation Commissioner A transportation planner, overseeing the city's transportation networks.

  • Jason Graham - Chief Medical Examiner Continuing in his role, focusing on overdose deaths.

  • Michael Garner - Chief Business Diversity Officer The city's first chief business diversity officer, promoting economic opportunities for all New Yorkers.

  • Mir Bashar - Chief Administrative Officer A financial expert with a long history in City Hall.

  • Emmy Liss - Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Child Care A child care policy consultant, crucial in implementing Mamdani's universal child care plan.

  • Ahmed Tigani - Buildings Commissioner A housing and economic development expert, overseeing major housing projects.

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