UPDATE: New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has just announced the appointment of Sherif Soliman as the city’s next budget director. This pivotal decision comes as part of his commitment to ensure a budget that truly reflects the needs of working New Yorkers.
Soliman, a native of Staten Island, brings nearly 30 years of public service experience to the role. He grew up in New Springville and graduated from Port Richmond High School. His extensive background includes key positions in both state and city government, making him a strong fit for this crucial role in the incoming administration.
“A successful administration must have a budget that reflects the needs of working New Yorkers,” stated Mamdani. He emphasized Soliman’s skills as a negotiator and dedicated public servant, underscoring that his leadership will be vital in fulfilling the affordability agenda for the city.
Soliman’s career highlights include serving as chief of staff to former Assemblyman Eric Vitaliano and leading the New York State Legislative Affairs team. He has also held significant roles such as director of communications at the New York City Employees’ Retirement System and chief of staff for the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Operations. Most notably, he was appointed as Commissioner of the Department of Finance in late 2020 by former Mayor Bill de Blasio. His most recent position was as senior vice chancellor and chief financial officer at the City University of New York (CUNY), where he successfully reduced the structural deficit by 77% and secured substantial funding for labor contracts.
“I am humbled by the trust Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has placed in me,” Soliman stated. “Budgets reflect the values of an administration — they are about innovation and excellence in government. I look forward to the work ahead in building a budget that delivers real wins for working New Yorkers.”
Soliman also serves on the MTA Board, a position he was nominated for by Mayor Eric Adams in May 2022. His diverse experiences and deep commitment to public service position him as a key player in shaping New York City’s financial future.
As the new administration prepares to take office, all eyes will be on Soliman to see how he navigates the challenges ahead. With rising costs affecting New Yorkers, his work will be vital in addressing affordability and ensuring that the budget meets the demands of the city’s residents.
Stay tuned for further updates as Soliman embarks on this significant role, which will undoubtedly impact countless lives across New York City.
