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, starting to build his administration ahead of taking office. Fuleihan brings over 40 years of governmental experience, while Bisgaard-Church has been a close advisor to Mamdani, instrumental in his election victory. Mamdani emphasizes the importance of blending innovation with experience to effectively govern the city and implement a progressive agenda.
New York City – Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has appointed Dean Fuleihan as his first deputy mayor and Elle Bisgaard-Church as his chief of staff, marking the initial steps in assembling his administration ahead of taking office on January 1, 2026.
Dean Fuleihan, 74, brings over four decades of experience in city and state government. He previously served as budget director and first deputy mayor under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, overseeing a budget exceeding $100 billion. Fuleihan also held significant roles in the New York State Assembly, including chief fiscal and policy advisor. In his new role, he is expected to manage the city’s budget and operations, leveraging his extensive experience to support Mamdani’s ambitious policy agenda.
Elle Bisgaard-Church, 34, has been a close advisor to Mamdani, serving as his chief of staff in the state Assembly and managing his successful primary campaign. Her strategic leadership was instrumental in Mamdani’s victory over establishment candidates. In her new position, she will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the administration’s priorities and ensuring effective governance.
At a press conference, Mamdani emphasized the importance of combining innovation with experience to transform city politics. He stated it is essential to undertake the work of transforming politics in the city with both imagination and understanding of historical context.
These appointments reflect Mamdani’s commitment to building a capable administration that delivers an affordable and livable city for working people. The selection of seasoned leaders aims to provide the necessary expertise to navigate the complexities of city governance and implement the administration’s 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 previously served as budget director and first deputy mayor under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, overseeing a budget exceeding $100 billion. Fuleihan also held significant roles in the New York State Assembly, including chief fiscal and policy advisor.
Who is Elle Bisgaard-Church?
Elle Bisgaard-Church is a close advisor to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, serving as his chief of staff in the state Assembly and managing his successful primary campaign. Her strategic leadership was instrumental in Mamdani’s victory over establishment candidates.
What is the significance of these appointments?
The appointments of Dean Fuleihan and Elle Bisgaard-Church signify Mayor-elect Mamdani’s commitment to combining innovation with experience in his administration. These seasoned leaders are expected to provide the necessary expertise to navigate the complexities of city governance and implement the administration’s progressive agenda.
Key Features of the Appointments
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dean Fuleihan’s Role | First Deputy Mayor, overseeing the city’s budget and operations, leveraging over 40 years of government experience. |
| Elle Bisgaard-Church’s Role | Chief of Staff, continuing her leadership from the state Assembly to shape the administration’s priorities. |
| Administration’s Focus | Building a capable administration to deliver an affordable and livable city for working people. |
Now Happening on X
- @VGupta30 (November 9, 2025, 11:06 AM): Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ New York Note updates include Governor Hochul declaring a SNAP state of emergency, Mayor Adams planning to hire 5,000 NYPD officers, and the city council advancing bills on maternal health and housing. View on X
- @s2_underground (November 5, 2025, 9:24 PM): Election Day in NYC faces bomb threats and voting issues, the White House confirms SNAP program cessation amid shutdown, and a catastrophic plane crash occurs at Louisville airport. View on X
- @MustReadNewz (November 4, 2025, 3:24 PM): NYPD and FBI are investigating swatting incidents at NYC polling sites during a tightening mayoral election. View on X
- @fr045054 (November 6, 2025, 8:30 AM): The first snow storm in the NYC area will test management’s crisis efficiency, alongside recent subway murders and a Bronx apartment discovery of four killed individuals. View on X
- @nycmaven44637 (November 4, 2025, 3:12 PM): NYPD and FBI are investigating swatting incidents at NYC polling sites amid a tightening mayoral election. View on X
- @RetiredNYCPD (November 4, 2025, 1:47 PM): NYPD and FBI are probing swatting incidents at NYC polling sites during a close mayoral election race. View on X
- @nycemergencymgt (November 4, 2025, 7:36 AM): Election Day updates for NYC include polls open until 9 PM, public schools closed, alternate side parking suspended, and meters in effect; check registration and polling sites for details. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mayor-elect Mamdani Announces Key Appointments
Bronx Shooting Leaves Man in Critical Condition
Boca Raton Seeks to Attract New York City Businesses Amid Political Shift
New York City Elects Zohran Mamdani as Mayor
John Oliver Critiques Eric Adams’ Mayoralty on Last Week Tonight
New York City Real Estate Faces Uncertainty Amid Housing Policies
Trump Administration’s New Tax Measures Benefit Wealthy Individuals
New York City Braces for Immigration Enforcement as Tensions Rise
Zohran Mamdani Elected as New York City’s Next Mayor
New York City Faces Urgent Need for a Rational City Council Speaker
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.
