New York City, November 12, 2025
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has appointed Dean Fuleihan as first deputy mayor and Elle Bisgaard-Church as chief of staff. Fuleihan brings over four decades of experience in government and will provide strategic guidance, while Bisgaard-Church, a close advisor to Mamdani, aims to implement progressive community safety initiatives. These appointments align with Mamdani’s ambitious policy agenda, including free childcare and fare-free public transportation, reflecting his commitment to merging experienced leadership with a progressive vision.
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani Appoints Key Officials to Lead Administration
New York City – Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has announced significant appointments to his incoming administration, selecting seasoned government veteran Dean Fuleihan as first deputy mayor and trusted advisor Elle Bisgaard-Church as chief of staff. These appointments aim to blend experienced leadership with progressive vision as Mamdani prepares to assume office.
Appointment of Dean Fuleihan as First Deputy Mayor
Dean Fuleihan, 74, brings over four decades of experience in city and state government to the role of first deputy mayor. Previously, he served as budget director and deputy mayor under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, overseeing a budget exceeding $100 billion and playing a pivotal role in the city’s pandemic recovery efforts. Fuleihan’s extensive background is expected to provide strategic guidance in managing the city’s complex operations and finances.
Elle Bisgaard-Church Named Chief of Staff
Elle Bisgaard-Church, 34, has been appointed as chief of staff. A close advisor to Mamdani, she previously served as his chief of staff in the New York State Assembly and campaign manager for his 2025 mayoral campaign. Bisgaard-Church is recognized for her role in developing the Department of Community Safety proposal, which aims to have social workers respond to certain non-violent 911 calls, reflecting a shift towards community-based safety measures.
Background on Mamdani’s Policy Initiatives
Mayor-elect Mamdani’s platform includes ambitious reforms such as free childcare, fare-free public buses, and city-operated grocery stores. These initiatives are part of his broader vision to address affordability and social equity in New York City. The appointment of Fuleihan and Bisgaard-Church is seen as a strategic move to effectively implement these policies, combining Mamdani’s progressive agenda with the operational expertise of seasoned officials.
Conclusion
The selection of Dean Fuleihan and Elle Bisgaard-Church underscores Mayor-elect Mamdani’s commitment to integrating experienced leadership with innovative policy approaches. As the administration prepares to take office, these appointments are poised to play a crucial role in navigating the challenges of governing one of the nation’s largest cities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Dean Fuleihan?
Dean Fuleihan is a veteran of city and state government, having served as budget director and deputy mayor under former Mayor Bill de Blasio. He brings over four decades of experience to his role as first deputy mayor in Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s administration.
What is the Department of Community Safety proposal?
The Department of Community Safety proposal aims to have social workers respond to certain non-violent 911 calls, focusing on mental health crises and other non-life-threatening emergencies. This initiative reflects a shift towards community-based safety measures in New York City.
What are some of Mayor-elect Mamdani’s key policy initiatives?
Mayor-elect Mamdani’s platform includes free childcare, fare-free public buses, and city-operated grocery stores. These initiatives are part of his broader vision to address affordability and social equity in New York City.
How do these appointments align with Mamdani’s administration goals?
The appointments of Fuleihan and Bisgaard-Church are strategic moves to effectively implement Mamdani’s progressive policies. Fuleihan’s operational expertise and Bisgaard-Church’s innovative approach are expected to play crucial roles in navigating the challenges of governing New York City.
Key Features of the Appointments
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| First Deputy Mayor | Dean Fuleihan, 74, with over four decades 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, 34, previously served as Mamdani’s chief of staff in the New York State Assembly and campaign manager for his 2025 mayoral campaign. |
| Department of Community Safety Proposal | Aims to have social workers respond to certain non-violent 911 calls, focusing on mental health crises and other non-life-threatening emergencies. |
| Policy Initiatives | Includes free childcare, fare-free public buses, and city-operated grocery stores, aiming to address affordability and social equity in New York City. |
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