Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday announced five new appointments and reappointments across key city agencies, unveiling a leadership team he said will advance his administration’s vision of a city “where working-class New Yorkers can thrive.”
Among the new appointees is Maya Handa, who will serve as New York City’s first-ever “World Cup Czar”, an interagency coordinator tasked with preparing the city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Handa, a former campaign manager for Mamdani and a lifelong soccer player, will oversee coordination between city offices, agencies, and private partners to ensure the tournament benefits local communities and small businesses.
“The World Cup is a tremendous opportunity to uplift our small businesses, boost our economy, and bring New Yorkers together to enjoy the beautiful game,” Handa said in a statement.
Mayor Mamdani also appointed Stephanie Silkowski as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Appointments and Bitta Mostofi as Special Advisor for Strategic Coordination and Operations to the First Deputy Mayor. Both bring extensive experience in public service, policy, and advocacy.
Silkowski, who previously worked for Councilmembers Tiffany Cabán and Brad Lander, will lead recruitment and diversity efforts across city government, while Mostofi — a former Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and senior advisor in the Biden administration — will focus on improving coordination and service delivery across agencies.
“These leaders prove there is no one way to serve the public,” Mamdani said. “They have practiced law, helmed historic campaigns, and delivered transformational legislation. They have all demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service.”
In addition, Mamdani reappointed Renee Campion as Commissioner of the Office of Labor Relations and Kim L. Yu as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services and Chief Procurement Officer. Both will continue work on labor negotiations, procurement transparency, and contract modernization.
Tuesday’s announcement follows a series of cabinet selections unveiled earlier this month, including new commissioners for the Department of Probation, Department of Citywide Administrative Services, and Department of Environmental Protection.
City Hall officials said the expanded leadership team reflects the Mamdani administration’s push to combine “deep experience in government, advocacy, and law” to deliver results aligned with its progressive policy agenda.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
