Mamdani Takes Over Leadership Roles Ahead of Inauguration
Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani shared on Monday that he will be assuming more departmental leadership positions from the outgoing Eric Adams administration, citing a number of essential roles that still need to be filled just days before he officially takes office.
The 34-year-old Democratic Socialist confirmed he would reappoint Dr. Mitchell Katz to continue his role leading New York City Health + Hospitals, and Dr. Jason Graham will remain as chief medical examiner. Mamdani emphasized that these appointments “reflect my commitment to stable, experienced leadership.”
As Mamdani’s inauguration approaches at midnight Thursday, he is counting on several prominent figures continuing under Mayor Adams. However, notable positions—like the principal of schools, members of the transportation committee, and deputy mayor for administration—are still unannounced.
Political strategist Ken Friedman described Mamdani’s choices as lacking depth, suggesting that even those within his socialist circle lack political experience.
Former city council member Sal Albanese has voiced criticism as well, noting that the situation feels chaotic. He stated that it seems like “there’s too much going on” and “too many mistakes.”
Some candidates hoping to join Mamdani’s administration reportedly experienced a hasty interview process, with some unsure of the roles they were interviewing for, according to a report from New York magazine.
Mamdani’s team, however, pushed back against these claims about the hiring process.
Katz remains at the helm of health services, having served throughout Adams’ four-year term since he was appointed in 2017 during Mayor Bill de Blasio’s era. He has played a significant role in the city’s pandemic response, and Mamdani acknowledges his efforts to broaden medical service access.
As for Graham, who stepped in as coroner in 2022, he has centered his work on investigating overdose deaths amid the ongoing opioid crisis, as mentioned by Mamdani’s transition group.
In a statement, Mamdani reiterated that these reappointments align with his goal for “stable, experienced leadership” that provides tangible benefits for New Yorkers.
Mamdani also indicated that two of Adams’ remaining officials, chief business diversity officer Michael Garner and chief administrative officer Mir Bashar, will be appointed starting in 2026, alongside NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch—one of the 14 permanent appointments linked to the outgoing mayor.
Last week, Mamdani declared that Emergency Management Agency Director Zak Iskol and Department of Health Director Javier Rojan would temporarily remain to help navigate the winter storm season.
Still unfilled are leadership roles in the Department of Corrections, Probation, Homeless Services, and Immigration Affairs, along with the crucial incoming corporate general counsel position aimed to enhance the Justice Department’s efforts against the Trump administration.
Other vacancies also include Health and Mental Hygiene Director and a Deputy Mayor position. Individuals in roles not sanctioned by the transition team will remain until officially removed, unless they voluntarily exit.
Democratic operatives weren’t taken aback by the slow process of appointments. One remarked sarcastically about the challenges a relatively inexperienced 34-year-old would encounter in attracting talent.
A surprising twist came when Catherine da Costa, who was expected to be appointed as Mamdani’s manager, resigned due to resurfaced anti-Semitic social media posts.
Additional appointments include Lillian Bonsignore as FDNY director and Dean Freihan as the first deputy mayor. Several positions still require filling, like the Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice, Office of Budget and Management, and Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning.
Currently, Mamdani’s hiring pace mirrors that of former Mayor de Blasio as he first entered office. Adams also experienced similar challenges, with key hires stunted due to the pandemic.
Freihan, the upcoming first deputy mayor, clarified earlier this month that Mamdani hasn’t postponed preparations for January 1 and expressed confidence that socialists would stick with Adams’ former appointees.
Queens Councilmember Cervena Brooks-Powers voiced support for Katz and Garner’s reappointments, declaring they provide the stable leadership essential for the community’s progress.
