Housing Commissioner Martin Appointed as Mamdani Advances Health Agenda

Dr. Alister Martin to lead health department amid appointments of diverse leadership team across city agencies

Mayor Mamdani announced on January 31, 2026, his appointment of Dr. Alister Martin as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, filling a critical leadership position that had been vacant since October 2024 when former Mayor Eric Adams’ health commissioner Ashwin Vasan stepped down. Martin’s appointment followed the selection of four additional commissioners across key city agencies, reflecting Mamdani’s commitment to building what his office described as a diverse, experienced leadership team.

Expanding Leadership Across Agencies

Beyond Martin’s health appointment, Mamdani named Stanley Richards as Corrections Commissioner, Yesenia Mata as Veterans’ Services Commissioner—making her the first Latina to hold that position—Sandra Escamilla-Davies as Youth and Community Development Commissioner, and Vilda Vera Mayuga as Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings Commissioner. These appointments demonstrated the mayor’s prioritization of lived experience and identity representation within city government.

Health Department Priorities

Martin brings public health expertise to an agency facing significant challenges including managing federal policy changes expected under the Trump administration, addressing health disparities in Black and Latino communities, and responding to infectious disease threats. The city’s health department plays a central role in implementing citywide health initiatives, licensing food service establishments, and coordinating emergency response. Martin’s appointment came as the mayor’s team continued to fill other vacant commissioner positions, with several major agencies including social services, parks, and finance still requiring permanent leadership.

Public Health Under Pressure

According to CBS New York, Martin assumes leadership at a moment when the department faces budget pressures and federal policy uncertainty. Recent reports from Crain’s New York Business noted that previous interim leadership under Michelle Morse had managed the agency capably, but permanent leadership provides necessary continuity for long-term planning. Martin’s appointment completes Mamdani’s core team addressing public safety, correction reform, and health services—three pillars of the mayor’s campaign agenda to create a more equitable and functional city system.