Mamdani considers MTA executive Jamie Torres-Springer for a significant position as his wife leads the mayoral transition team.
Jamie Torres-Springer, a senior official at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and spouse of one of Zohran Mamdani’s transition team leaders, is being considered for the pivotal role of deputy mayor for operations in the incoming administration of the mayor-elect. This development was reported by Media News Source.
Currently serving as the president of construction and development at the MTA, a position he has held since 2021, Torres-Springer is responsible for managing the authority’s extensive capital budget. His role at the MTA follows a prior tenure as the commissioner of the City’s Department of Design and Construction, which falls under the purview of the deputy mayor for operations.
Inside sources indicate that Mamdani’s team is actively exploring the possibility of bringing Torres-Springer on board for this influential position. The deputy mayor for operations is tasked with overseeing several critical city agencies, including the Departments of Transportation, Buildings, Parks, and Environmental Protection. Given this portfolio’s significance, Torres-Springer’s extensive background in public administration makes him a strong contender for the position.
Maria Torres-Springer, Jaime’s wife, played a significant role in the previous administration of Mayor Eric Adams, serving as the first deputy mayor until her resignation in early 2025 amidst concerns regarding the outgoing mayor’s federal corruption indictment. She currently leads the Charles H. Revson Foundation and is not anticipated to take a formal position in Mamdani’s administration once he assumes office on January 1.
The potential appointment of Jamie Torres-Springer has raised questions regarding optics, but supporters within the transition team emphasize that his qualifications would make him an excellent fit for the role. The transition team has also been considering other candidates with transportation backgrounds, such as Veronica Vanterpool and Midori Valdivia, to fill this key position.
The focus on candidates with public transportation experience aligns with Mamdani’s campaign promises, notably his commitment to enhancing New York City’s public bus services. The deputy mayor for operations’ oversight of the Department of Transportation will be crucial, especially as Mamdani seeks to implement initiatives aimed at improving bus accessibility and efficiency.
With less than a month before taking office, Mamdani has officially announced only a few appointments, including Dean Fuleihan as first deputy mayor, Elle Bisgaard-Church as City Hall chief of staff, and Jessica Tisch as police commissioner. The forthcoming choices regarding the administration’s cabinet, particularly those related to transportation and urban development, will significantly impact the new mayor’s ability to execute his policy agenda in the face of upcoming challenges.
