Mamdani names deputies to run operations, child care and climate efforts

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced several key appointments to lead central parts of his agenda in New York City, naming Julia Kerson as deputy mayor for operations and Emmy Liss as director of the city’s child care office. Mr. Mamdani also named Kamar Samuels as schools chancellor, Louise Yeung as his chief climate officer and Ahmed Tigani as buildings commissioner.

The administration said the group will tackle a wide range of challenges, from transportation and sanitation to expanding access to high-quality preschool and preparing the city for the effects of the climate crisis. Ms. Kerson, an infrastructure adviser to Gov. Kathy Hochul, was praised by Mr.

Mamdani for playing a role in major projects across the state, including efforts to build a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River. As deputy mayor for operations she will oversee functions that touch daily life, from parks and recreation to emergency management and trash collection.

Ms. Kerson said, "But I’ve also learned that with political will, commitment and creativity, nothing is impossible." Kathryn Garcia called her ethos "always how to get to yes" and said she is "unfazed by an antagonistic federal government or complicated bureaucracy." Ms. Liss, a veteran education leader who helped roll out universal prekindergarten as the former chief operating officer of the Education Department’s early childhood division, was tapped to run the child care office.

Key Topics

Politics, Zohran Mamdani, Julia Kerson, Emmy Liss, Kamar Samuels, Louise Yeung