New York City, November 11, 2025
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has appointed Dean Fuleihan as his first deputy mayor and Elle Bisgaard-Church as his chief of staff. These selections highlight a combination of expertise and strategic leadership as Mamdani prepares for his administration. Fuleihan, with over 40 years in government, will manage the city’s budget office, while Bisgaard-Church, a close advisor, is expected to drive Mamdani’s policy initiatives.
New York City – Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has announced the appointment of Dean Fuleihan as his first deputy mayor and Elle Bisgaard-Church as his chief of staff. These selections reflect a blend of experienced governance and close advisement as Mamdani prepares to take office.
Key Appointments
- Dean Fuleihan: With over 40 years of experience in city and state government, Fuleihan previously served as budget director and deputy mayor under former Mayor Bill de Blasio. He will oversee the city’s budget office and administrative departments, utilizing his extensive background to effectively manage city operations.
- Elle Bisgaard-Church: As chief of staff, Bisgaard-Church has been a close advisor to Mamdani throughout his campaign and previously served as his chief of staff in the state Assembly. She is poised to play a crucial role in executing Mamdani’s policy initiatives and ensuring effective operations at City Hall.
Strategic Significance
The appointments of Fuleihan and Bisgaard-Church illustrate Mamdani’s strategic approach to leadership, combining innovative ideas with seasoned experience. Fuleihan’s established relationships in Albany are expected to support Mamdani’s goals, which include proposals for free childcare, improved bus services, and city-operated grocery stores. Bisgaard-Church’s deep knowledge of Mamdani’s vision will facilitate the ambitious plans for his administration.
Background Context
At 34 years old, Zohran Mamdani is set to become New York City’s youngest mayor in decades. His administration seeks to reshape city politics by blending fresh insights with accumulated expertise. The appointments of Fuleihan and Bisgaard-Church are crucial steps in assembling a capable team to tackle the challenges facing the city and further his progressive agenda.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Dean Fuleihan?
Dean Fuleihan is a veteran of city and state government with over 40 years of experience. He has served as budget director and deputy mayor under former Mayor Bill de Blasio and held various roles in the state Legislature in Albany. He is appointed as the first deputy mayor in Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s administration.
What is Elle Bisgaard-Church’s role?
Elle Bisgaard-Church is appointed as the chief of staff in Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s administration. She has been a close advisor to Mamdani, managing his primary campaign and serving as his chief of staff in the state Assembly. She is expected to play a key role in implementing Mamdani’s policy agenda and ensuring the smooth operation of City Hall.
What is Zohran Mamdani’s vision for New York City?
Zohran Mamdani aims to transform city politics by integrating both fresh perspectives and seasoned expertise. His administration’s agenda includes proposals for free childcare, bus services, and city-operated grocery stores, reflecting a commitment to progressive policies that address the needs of working New Yorkers.
Key Features of the Appointments
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| First Deputy Mayor | Dean Fuleihan, with over 40 years of experience in city and state government, including roles as budget director and deputy mayor under former Mayor Bill de Blasio. |
| Chief of Staff | Elle Bisgaard-Church, a close advisor to Mamdani, who managed his primary campaign and served as his chief of staff in the state Assembly. |
| Strategic Significance | The appointments aim to combine innovative leadership with experienced governance to implement Mamdani’s progressive policy agenda effectively. |
| Background | Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, is set to become New York City’s youngest mayor, focusing on transforming city politics through a blend of fresh perspectives and seasoned expertise. |
Now Happening on X
- @VGupta30 (November 9, 2025, 4:06 PM): Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies reports on New York updates, including Gov. Hochul’s SNAP state of emergency declaration, Mayor Adams’ plan to hire 5,000 more NYPD officers, and city council advancements on maternal health and housing bills. View on X
- @s2_underground (November 5, 2025, 2:24 AM): Election Day in NYC faces bomb threats and other voting issues, while the White House confirms the end of the SNAP program amid government shutdown; a major plane crash also reported at Louisville Airport. View on X
- @MustReadNewz (November 4, 2025, 8:24 PM): NYPD and FBI are investigating swatting incidents at NYC polling sites during a close mayoral election. View on X
- @SPECNews1CNY (November 4, 2025, 10:39 PM): Evening briefing covers election coverage on Spectrum News 1, resumption of classes at SUNY Morrisville after a shooting, and the federal shutdown tying for the longest ever. View on X
- @nycmaven44637 (November 4, 2025, 8:12 PM): Live updates on NYC mayoral election, with NYPD and FBI probing swatting at polling sites amid a tightening race. View on X
- @RetiredNYCPD (November 4, 2025, 6:47 PM): Authorities investigating swatting incidents at NYC polling sites during the ongoing mayoral election. View on X
- @nycemergencymgt (November 4, 2025, 12:36 PM): Election Day reminders include polls open until 9 PM, NYC public schools closed, alternate side parking suspended, and tips for voters. View on X
- @SpecNews1Albany (November 5, 2025, 10:30 PM): Briefing highlights include Troy council’s city hall vote, absentee ballots deciding Saratoga County races, and expected high winds upstate. View on X
- @SPECNews1HV (November 5, 2025, 10:30 PM): Updates on Troy council advancing city hall vote, absentee ballots for Saratoga races, and high winds forecast upstate. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mayor-Elect Mamdani’s Transition Team Welcomes Lina Khan
Significant Shift in NYC Mayoral Race as Eric Adams Withdraws
New York Life Announces Major Investment Platform Consolidation
Nathan Emmons Appointed Economic-Development Manager
Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Implements Charm Offensive
Central New York Community Foundation Appoints New Board Members
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
