Coordinating the Administration and Ensuring Achievable, Sustainable Policies
“This is what we’re in government for. I mean, we’re in government to do difficult things. There are people out there struggling, and they’re having a difficult life…. It should be our privilege to deliver on those commitments to them.” Dean Fuleihan, First Deputy Mayor (The Atlantic)
Dean Fuleihan was born in 1951 and has built his career in public service with a strong focus on finance, budgeting, and public policy management. From early on, he showed an interest in governance and urban planning, developing skills that would lead him to key roles in managing one of the world’s most complex cities.
He began his career in state politics, working in the New York State Assembly as a fiscal and policy advisor. There, he gained experience in managing state budgets, overseeing public programs, and analyzing economic and social policies. He later held senior positions in New York City government, becoming Director of the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget, a role in which he oversaw the city’s multi-billion-dollar budget and coordinated municipal resources.
From 2018 to 2021, he served as First Deputy Mayor during Mayor Bill de Blasio’s second term, taking a central role in the city’s operations, from public finances to emergency management. In this position, he led administrative reforms, ensured proper funding for public services, and supported the implementation of social and economic programs. In 2025, with the election of Zohran Mamdani, Fuleihan was brought back for his extensive experience and deep knowledge of city institutions, becoming once again the mayor’s right-hand man, coordinating the administration and overseeing the city’s daily operations to ensure that the promised policies are achievable and sustainable.
Fuleihan is known as a highly skilled and pragmatic manager, able to balance political vision with administrative realism. His reputation is built on technical expertise, the ability to negotiate with various institutional actors, and a commitment to transparent and efficient resource management. He has been instrumental in overseeing city budgets, coordinating administrative and social policy reforms, developing strategies to ensure the financial sustainability of public policies, and supporting programs related to housing, transportation, education, and social services. Dean Fuleihan represents a key figure in providing stability, continuity, and technical expertise in New York City’s administration, combining decades of experience and deep knowledge of municipal operations with the ability to support an innovative and progressive political agenda.
Mayor
- Zohran Mamdani – Mayor of New York City. A progressive focused on social justice, economic accessibility, and urban reforms. He aims to make the city more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable.
First Deputy Mayor
- Dean Fuleihan – Brings extensive experience in city financial and operational management. Former First Deputy Mayor and budget director, he coordinates the administration and ensures policies are feasible.
Chief of Staff
- Elle Bisgaard‑Church – Oversees the mayor’s internal operations and coordination across departments. Ensures the smooth execution of the political agenda and effective internal communication.
Deputy Mayors
- Leila Bozorg – Housing and Planning – Handles housing policy and urban planning. Works to increase access to affordable housing and improve city development.
- Julie Su – Economic Justice – Oversees economic and social policies with a focus on wage equity, workers’ rights, and supporting vulnerable communities.
- Helen Arteaga – Health and Human Services – Manages public health and social services. Ensures universal access to healthcare, family support, and social programs.
- Julia Kerson – Operations – Coordinates the city’s day-to-day operations. Optimizes administrative processes and ensures policies are implemented efficiently.
Other Key Roles
- Sherif Soliman – Budget Director – Manages the city budget and financial planning. Ensures fiscal sustainability and transparency in public spending.
- Jahmila Edwards – Director of Intergovernmental Affairs – Oversees collaboration between city, state, and federal government. Works to secure funding and coordinate intergovernmental projects.
- Ramzi Kassem – Chief Counsel – Provides legal advice to the mayor. Supports policy decisions, legislation, and legal matters.
- Louise Yeung – Director of Climate and Environmental Justice – Leads climate policy, sustainability, and environmental justice initiatives, reducing the city’s ecological impact.
- Jessica Tisch – NYPD Commissioner – Leads the New York Police Department. Focused on public safety, police reforms, and community engagement.
- Lillian Bonsignore – Fire Commissioner – Oversees fire and emergency services. Ensures city safety and risk prevention.
- Kamar Samuels – Schools Chancellor – Manages the city’s education system. Implements educational reforms and ensures equitable access to schooling.
- Mike Flynn – Department of Transportation Commissioner – Oversees transportation and urban infrastructure. Improves mobility, road safety, and public transit.
- Cea Weaver – Director of the Office to Protect Tenants – Advocates for tenant rights, regulates rents, and promotes fair and sustainable housing policies.
