Mamdani’s transition team includes Adams, de Blasio alums

NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) – Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has announced his transition team, which will help select his closest advisors. 

Mamdani, now the mayor-elect of New York City, introduced his team Wednesday morning, including a former top aide who resigned from Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. Mamdani said to expect deputy mayor appointments in the coming days.

“We will form an administration that is in equal parts capable and compassionate, driven by integrity and willing to work just as hard as the millions of New Yorkers that call this city home,” Mamdani said.

The team is helmed by Elana Leopold, who worked on former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s team. Also on the team is Maria Torres-Springer, former first deputy mayor to Adams, who resigned amid the mayor's controversial indictment.

"Due to the extraordinary events of the last few weeks and to stay faithful to the oaths we swore to New Yorkers and our families, we have come to the difficult decision to step down from our roles," Torres-Springer and three other high-level advisors said in their resignation.

Former Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Melanie Hartzog is also joining the team, as well as Grace Bonilla, president of United Way.

In 2021, Eric Adams' transition team was led by Scheena Wright, who became his first deputy mayor.