Who is Dean Fuleihan? Inside the 74-year-old powerhouse behind Zohran Mamdani’s New York City administration

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has announced Dean Fuleihan as his First Deputy Mayor, a move that underscores his commitment to building an experienced, balanced administration. The decision places a 74-year-old political veteran alongside one of the youngest mayors in the city’s history, signaling a blend of progressive energy and deep institutional knowledge at City Hall.

Fuleihan, who served as both Budget Director and First Deputy Mayor under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, is widely regarded as one of New York’s most seasoned public administrators, bringing over 40 years of experience in city and state government.

Meet incoming First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan and Chief of Staff Elle Bisgaard-Church.

Together, they will lead the charge in executing our affordability agenda and building an administration defined by competence, boldness and delivering for the people of this city. pic.twitter.com/j99AyOEuhm

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) November 10, 2025

Why Zohran Mamdani Chose Dean Fuleihan

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, fresh off a historic victory, introduced Fuleihan as “battle-tested and ready to serve on day one.” The appointment was announced during a press conference where Mamdani also named Elle Bisgaard-Church, his longtime chief of staff, to the same role in his new administration.

The move was widely interpreted as an effort to reassure critics of Mamdani’s youth and inexperience. At just 34 years old, Mamdani is the city’s youngest mayor in over a century. Fuleihan’s extensive background in budget management and legislative affairs provides a stabilizing presence for an incoming administration determined to reshape city governance.

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A Veteran Public Servant with Deep Albany Roots

Dean Fuleihan’s career began in the New York State Assembly in the late 1970s, where he served for more than three decades. He worked closely with the late Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, becoming his “right arm” on key fiscal negotiations. Fuleihan eventually became chief staff negotiator for the state’s $130 billion budget, gaining unmatched insight into the financial and legislative machinery of New York.

His deep connections in Albany are expected to prove invaluable as Mamdani pursues progressive goals such as free public transit, universal child care, and higher taxes on the wealthy, all of which require state cooperation to succeed.

His Legacy Under Bill de Blasio

Fuleihan first gained citywide recognition when Bill de Blasio appointed him as Budget Director in 2013, citing his progressive values and fiscal discipline. Later, in 2018, Fuleihan was promoted to First Deputy Mayor, overseeing city operations during de Blasio’s presidential campaign and managing a $100 billion budget.

De Blasio’s former staffers describe him as a “workhorse” and strategic thinker, someone who thrived under pressure and kept the administration on track during crises. “Dean doesn’t eat, he runs on black coffee and hard work,” joked one former aide. His role in implementing universal pre-K remains one of his standout achievements.

A Trusted Figure Across Party Lines

Governor Kathy Hochul praised the appointment, calling Fuleihan “a steady, principled public servant” who “has dedicated his career to making government work for New Yorkers.” Her approval reflects his reputation as a nonpartisan, results-driven leader respected by both progressives and moderates.

Political strategist Amit Singh Bagga added that Fuleihan’s experience “checks every box, legislative expertise, institutional credibility, and shared values.” His appointment could help bridge gaps between City Hall and Albany, ensuring Mamdani’s policies gain traction beyond the city limits.

Personal Life and Immigrant Roots

Fuleihan, the son and grandson of Lebanese immigrants, credits his family for instilling a strong sense of public service and civic duty. During his remarks Monday, he said Mamdani’s campaign “was one of hope for immigrant families like mine” and pledged to help build “a city government that looks like New York City.”

He currently resides in Murray Hill, Manhattan, and is known for maintaining a low public profile despite his powerful positions.

What This Means for New York City’s Future

Fuleihan’s appointment suggests that Mayor-elect Mamdani aims to balance bold progressive ideals with pragmatic governance. His decades of experience navigating the complexities of budgets, unions, and intergovernmental relations position him as an anchor for the administration’s ambitious agenda.

As one insider put it, “Mamdani has the vision, Dean Fuleihan has the map.” Together, they could redefine how the nation’s largest city delivers for working people.

FAQ

1. Who is Dean Fuleihan?
Dean Fuleihan is a veteran New York government official with over 40 years of experience in city and state administration. He was recently appointed First Deputy Mayor by Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.

2. What will Dean Fuleihan’s role be in the Mamdani administration?
As First Deputy Mayor, Fuleihan will oversee daily city operations and coordinate between city agencies to implement Mamdani’s policy agenda focused on affordability and social equity.

3. What is Dean Fuleihan’s background?
He began his public service career in the New York State Assembly in the 1970s, eventually serving as budget negotiator and top adviser to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver before joining City Hall under Bill de Blasio.

4. How old is Dean Fuleihan?
Dean Fuleihan is 74 years old, making him twice the age of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.

5. What are Dean Fuleihan’s major accomplishments?
He is best known for his role in crafting New York City’s universal pre-K program, managing multi-billion-dollar budgets, and guiding city policy during de Blasio’s tenure.

6. What is Dean Fuleihan’s connection to Bill de Blasio?
Fuleihan served as Budget Director and later First Deputy Mayor under de Blasio, helping lead key initiatives like affordable housing and education expansion.

7. What is Dean Fuleihan’s relationship with Governor Kathy Hochul?
Fuleihan was appointed to the New York State Financial Control Board by Hochul in 2024, and she has publicly praised his leadership following his new City Hall appointment.

8. Why did Zohran Mamdani choose Dean Fuleihan?
Mamdani chose Fuleihan for his deep experience and credibility, ensuring stability as the young mayor embarks on an ambitious progressive agenda.

9. Where is Dean Fuleihan from?
He is a lifelong New Yorker of Lebanese descent, raised in a family that valued community service and opportunity.

10. What does this appointment mean for NYC?
Fuleihan’s appointment signals a blend of progressive vision and seasoned management, likely shaping New York City into a more inclusive, efficiently governed metropolis under Mamdani’s leadership.