NEW YORK (Diya TV) — New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani made his first major appointments Monday, signaling the direction of his upcoming administration. He named Dean Fuleihan, a longtime public official with deep experience in New York government, as his first deputy mayor, and Elle Bisgaard-Church, his trusted aide and political ally, as his chief of staff.

The announcement marks a key moment for Mamdani, 34, who will take office on Jan. 1 as the next mayor of New York City. His picks reflect a blend of experience and fresh perspective, balancing progressive ideals with seasoned governance.

Fuleihan, 74, is well known in city and state government circles. He previously served as first deputy mayor and budget director under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, where he managed New York’s $115 billion budget and oversaw more than 300,000 public employees. Mamdani said Fuleihan would be responsible for day-to-day city operations and praised his deep understanding of municipal management.

“Dean brings decades of experience and a steady hand,” Mamdani said at a news conference in Manhattan. “He knows how to get things done in government, and he shares my belief that we can build a city that works for everyone.”

Alongside Fuleihan, Mamdani appointed Elle Bisgaard-Church, 34, as his chief of staff. Bisgaard-Church has worked closely with Mamdani since his days in the State Assembly, serving as his top aide and helping to shape his legislative and campaign strategy.

Like Mamdani, Bisgaard-Church identifies as a democratic socialist and has been a key figure in organizing his political movement. Her appointment was widely expected and reflects the mayor-elect’s commitment to bringing trusted allies into City Hall.

Mamdani said both Bisgaard-Church and Fuleihan “possess the innovative ideas needed to transform our city and the expertise needed to execute them.”

Mamdani ran on an ambitious platform aimed at tackling New York’s high living costs and expanding access to public services. His proposals include making city buses free, increasing government-funded child care, and freezing rent on nearly one million rent-stabilized apartments.

However, these initiatives come with steep financial and political challenges. To fund his agenda, Mamdani will need support from Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers, who must approve new revenue measures such as tax increases or budget reallocations.

Hochul has expressed openness to working with Mamdani, particularly on expanding child care, but voiced skepticism about eliminating bus fares. “We’ll explore these ideas together,” she said over the weekend, noting that the financial realities of the state budget must be considered.

Mamdani may also face obstacles from federal officials, including former President Donald Trump, who has labeled him a “radical communist.” Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding or deploy the National Guard if Mamdani pursues policies he opposes.

Despite the criticism, Mamdani emphasized that his focus remains on “delivering for working New Yorkers.” His administration, he said, will be judged not just on bold ideas but also on improving everyday services, from trash collection to street maintenance.

Mamdani made his announcement at Hunter College’s Roosevelt House on the Upper East Side, a historic site where Franklin D. Roosevelt drafted parts of the New Deal. The setting underscored Mamdani’s goal of creating a modern version of that vision for New York City.

The timing of the appointments also stood out. Previous mayors, including Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio, waited weeks after the election to name their top deputies. Mamdani moved faster, unveiling his first major hires shortly after returning from an annual post-election conference in Puerto Rico.

Both Fuleihan and Bisgaard-Church have already begun advising Mamdani’s transition team, which is expected to announce more key positions — including the school’s chancellor — in the coming weeks.

Mamdani’s appointments mark the start of what could be a transformative chapter for New York City. By combining youthful energy with institutional experience, the mayor-elect is signaling a desire to bridge progressive vision and practical governance.

“Our goal is simple,” Mamdani said. “We want a capable administration that delivers an affordable, livable city for working people.”