Mamdani appoints Steve Banks as NYC’s chief lawyer and an Elmhurst Hospital executive as health deputy.
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has announced his intent to appoint experienced professionals from the de Blasio administration to key positions in his upcoming administration. In a significant move, Mamdani is set to designate Steve Banks, who previously served as the commissioner of the Department of Social Services (DSS) during former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s tenure, as the corporation counsel for New York City. Additionally, Helen Arteaga, the current CEO of Elmhurst Hospital, is expected to be appointed as Mamdani’s deputy mayor for health and human services.
Both appointments are scheduled to be formally introduced by Mamdani during a press conference at Elmhurst Hospital this Tuesday afternoon. The forthcoming announcements come just before Mamdani is sworn into office, marking the beginning of his administration. As of now, it remains unclear whether Mamdani will disclose additional cabinet appointments during the press conference.
In a statement released prior to the press conference, Mamdani expressed confidence in both Banks and Arteaga, highlighting their capacity to provide effective and principled leadership. He emphasized the importance of having someone like Arteaga, who is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the city’s commitment to essential social services, in a position of influence at City Hall.
Banks’ selection as corporation counsel is particularly noteworthy, as the role is one of the few that requires City Council approval, underscoring the strategic nature of Mamdani’s choice. His prior experience includes not only leading the DSS—a critical department overseeing social services and the homeless shelter system—but also working with the Legal Aid Society, where he was the attorney-in-charge before joining de Blasio’s administration.
Arteaga’s rise to the position of deputy mayor for health and human services also reflects a commitment to advancing public health initiatives. As the first Latina and woman to lead Elmhurst Hospital, she has a profound understanding of the challenges faced by the city’s healthcare system, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Arteaga’s leadership during this crisis, coupled with her previous experience at Urban Health Plan, positions her to effectively manage the responsibilities associated with her new role, which encompasses various agencies, including the DSS and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
As Mamdani prepares to take office, both appointments indicate a continuity of leadership from the de Blasio administration, suggesting that Mamdani aims to foster collaborative governance that prioritizes essential services and public health. With key appointments still pending, New Yorkers await the final composition of Mamdani’s cabinet and its potential impact on the city’s future administration and services.
