BREAKING: New York City has just appointed its next budget director, and he hails from Staten Island! Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced today that Sherif Soliman, a local native with extensive government experience, will lead the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget for the incoming administration.
This announcement comes as New Yorkers face pressing economic challenges. Mamdani emphasized the urgent need for a budget that truly reflects the needs of working-class citizens. “A successful administration must have a budget that reflects the needs of working New Yorkers,” he stated. “Sherif Soliman is a skilled negotiator and dedicated public servant whose leadership will ensure our administration fulfills our affordability agenda.”
Soliman brings nearly 30 years of public service to this pivotal role. He grew up in New Springville and graduated from Port Richmond High School. His family emigrated from Egypt nearly 50 years ago, making his appointment a significant milestone for immigrant representation in city leadership.
In his impressive career, Soliman has held a variety of influential positions. He served as chief of staff to former Assemblyman Eric Vitaliano and led the New York State Legislative Affairs team. He has also been the director of communications at the New York City Employees’ Retirement System and chief of staff for the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Operations. Notably, he was appointed the Department of Finance Commissioner by former Mayor Bill de Blasio in late 2020 and directed the Office of Policy and Planning under current Mayor Eric Adams.
Most recently, Soliman served 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 hundreds of millions for labor contracts in the state budget. His leadership has been crucial in navigating the financial complexities of public education.
Soliman expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I am humbled by the trust Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has placed in me. Budgets reflect the values of an administration — they are about innovation and excellence in government. I look forward to building a budget that delivers real wins for working New Yorkers.”
As Soliman prepares to take on this critical role, all eyes will be on his strategies to tackle the city’s financial issues and implement the affordability agenda. His appointment signals a significant commitment to addressing the economic needs of New Yorkers as the city moves forward.
Stay tuned for more updates as Soliman and Mamdani’s administration prepare to reveal their budget plans and priorities!
