Sherif Soliman Named NYC Budget Director by Mayor-elect Mamdani

UPDATE: In a significant move for New York City’s financial management, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has just announced the appointment of Sherif Soliman as the new director of the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget. This urgent decision comes as the city gears up for a new fiscal strategy aimed at addressing the needs of working New Yorkers.

Just confirmed today, Soliman, a proud native of Staten Island, has an extensive background in various state and city government roles. He graduated from Port Richmond High School and has been a dedicated public servant for nearly three decades. His diverse experience includes serving as chief of staff to former Assemblyman Eric Vitaliano, and he has held pivotal roles in the New York State Legislative Affairs team, as well as in the New York City Employees’ Retirement System.

In a statement, Mayor-elect Mamdani emphasized the importance of this appointment: “A successful administration must have a budget that reflects the needs of working New Yorkers. Sherif Soliman is a skilled negotiator and dedicated public servant whose leadership of the Office of Management and Budget will ensure our administration fulfills our affordability agenda.” His vision for a budget that prioritizes innovation and excellence in government is clear.

Soliman’s impressive credentials also include his tenure as the Department of Finance Commissioner under former Mayor Bill de Blasio and his recent role as senior vice chancellor and chief financial officer at CUNY. During his time there, he successfully reduced the structural deficit by an astonishing 77% and secured hundreds of millions of dollars for labor contracts in the state budget.

“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.”

As Soliman steps into this crucial role, he also holds a seat on the MTA Board, a position he was nominated to by Mayor Eric Adams in May 2022. His multifaceted experience positions him well to tackle the financial challenges facing New York City.

The appointment of Sherif Soliman marks a pivotal point for the incoming administration and sets the stage for a budget that aims to prioritize affordability and meet the demands of its citizens. With the city facing numerous economic challenges, all eyes will be on how Soliman navigates this critical role.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The implications of Soliman’s leadership on New York City’s fiscal landscape are profound, making this an important development for residents and stakeholders alike.