Mayor-Elect Assembles Experienced Leadership, Signaling Feminist Governance Approach
A Historic Leadership Team
Hours after his November 4, 2025, election victory, Zohran Mamdani announced an all-female transition team to lead planning for his administration. The announcement signaled a commitment to feminist governance and elevated the profile of accomplished women in New York politics. The five-member leadership team includes nationally prominent figures alongside experienced municipal administrators. The group reflects both outsider energy and institutional expertise–blending grassroots organizers with seasoned government veterans.
Leadership Composition and Roles
Executive Director Elana Leopold, a senior campaign adviser, leads the transition process. Leopold is a de Blasio administration alumna with deep New York political experience. The four co-chairs bring complementary expertise. American Bazaar reported that Lina Khan, the former Federal Trade Commission chair appointed by President Biden, leads antitrust and corporate accountability efforts. Khan served from 2021 until early 2025, becoming the youngest ever FTC chair. Born in London to British-Pakistani parents, Khan moved to New York at age 11 and attended public schools before studying political science at Williams College. During the Biden administration, she earned recognition for going after corporate giants through antitrust enforcement and fighting to lower prescription drug costs. Maria Torres-Springer, former first deputy mayor under Eric Adams, brings housing and economic development expertise. She previously served as deputy mayor for housing, economic development and workforce, and as Department of Housing Preservation & Development commissioner. Her experience directly supports Mamdani’s agenda on affordable housing development and rent stabilization. Grace Bonilla, president and CEO of United Way of New York City, brings social services leadership. Previously serving in Bloomberg and de Blasio administrations, she directed the NYC Racial Inclusion and Equity Task Force during the pandemic, coordinating cross-agency efforts on health disparities and economic inequities.
Strategic Messaging and Cabinet Development
MS NOW reporting characterized the team as reflecting Mamdani’s “fresh face” campaign while incorporating insider expertise. The emphasis on women leadership–American Bazaar noted the team as “Female Power”–contrasts with traditional male-dominated city hall structures. In mid-December 2025, Mamdani announced his first two appointments: Elle Bisgaard-Church as chief of staff (his former Assembly chief of staff and campaign manager) and Dean Fuleihan as first deputy mayor (former first deputy mayor under de Blasio). The transition process is reportedly focused on identifying cabinet members and commissioners who embody “capability and compassion” while delivering on campaign promises regarding child care, housing, transportation, and public safety.
