New York City Council Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

New York City Council has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, legislative operations, and administrative oversight.

Committed to fostering equitable urban development, New York City Council drives legislative progress to improve housing affordability and public safety across all five boroughs for every resident.

Leadership Roles at New York City Council

  • Chief Executive Officer - Katherine Brady-Stepien
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Julie Samuels
  • Chief of Staff - Frank Rapacciuolo
  • Chief of Staff & District Office of Julie Menin Speaker - Harrison Gale
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, City Council - Monaco Philip
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Tamesha Thompson
  • Deputy Director - Chima Obichere
  • Deputy Director - Bradley Reid
  • Deputy Director - Robert Calandra
  • Deputy Director - Rick Arbelo
  • Katherine Brady-Stepien - Chief Executive Officer

    Katherine Brady-Stepien, the Chief Executive Officer at New York City Council, directs the overarching strategic vision for legislative operations. Brady-Stepien manages the internal infrastructure required to support 51 Council Members in their mission to address housing affordability and workforce support. By aligning departmental goals with the broader legislative agenda, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that community investments remain prioritized during budget negotiations. This leadership role involves coordinating with various stakeholders to enhance public services for youth and seniors across the city. Katherine Brady-Stepien maintains a focus on operational efficiency, ensuring that the legislative body functions effectively to meet the needs of diverse neighborhoods. Through rigorous oversight of administrative processes, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary for impactful policy implementation. Ultimately, Brady-Stepien strengthens the organizational capacity to deliver equitable outcomes for all New Yorkers.

    Julie Samuels - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Julie Samuels, the President & Chief Executive Officer at New York City Council, leads the executive team in shaping the legislative priorities of the city. Samuels oversees the development of policies aimed at economic growth and community safety, ensuring that the legislative body remains responsive to the evolving needs of urban residents. By facilitating collaboration between Council Members and external partners, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that promote fair and equitable city services. Julie Samuels manages the high-level execution of legislative agendas, balancing the demands of diverse demographics with the long-term goals of the council. This role requires constant engagement with public safety and economic development sectors to ensure that every policy reflects the mission of the organization. Through strategic leadership, Samuels advances the council's influence on citywide quality of life improvements, securing a sustainable future for the entire metropolitan population.

    Frank Rapacciuolo - Chief of Staff

    Frank Rapacciuolo, the Chief of Staff at New York City Council, directs the daily operations and administrative functions of the office. Rapacciuolo manages the flow of communication between the leadership team and the 51 Council Members, ensuring that legislative priorities remain clear and actionable. By overseeing the internal staff and coordinating high-level meetings, the Chief of Staff facilitates the efficient execution of the council's mission. Frank Rapacciuolo serves as a primary liaison for external stakeholders, managing relationships that are vital to the success of housing and public safety initiatives. This role involves resolving complex operational challenges and providing guidance to ensure that all departments remain aligned with the council's strategic goals. Through the effective management of office resources, the Chief of Staff supports the overall productivity of the legislative body. Ultimately, Rapacciuolo ensures that the council operates with the precision required to serve the diverse needs of the city.

    Harrison Gale - Chief of Staff & District Office of Julie Menin Speaker

    Harrison Gale, the Chief of Staff & District Office of Julie Menin Speaker at New York City Council, manages the specific legislative and constituent needs of the district. Gale oversees the operations of the district office, ensuring that local concerns regarding housing and public safety are addressed with urgency. By bridging the gap between district-level issues and citywide legislative goals, the Chief of Staff & District Office of Julie Menin Speaker ensures that the council's mission is felt at the neighborhood level. Harrison Gale coordinates with community leaders to implement programs that support youth and seniors, tailoring services to the unique demographics of the district. This role involves managing staff and resources to provide high-quality constituent services while advancing the broader agenda of the council. Through dedicated leadership, Gale ensures that the district remains a priority within the legislative body. Ultimately, Gale drives local impact by connecting community needs to citywide policy solutions.

    Monaco Philip - Deputy Chief of Staff, City Council

    Monaco Philip, the Deputy Chief of Staff, City Council at New York City Council, supports the executive leadership in managing legislative workflows and committee assignments. Philip coordinates the preparation of policy briefs and legislative reports, ensuring that Council Members have the information necessary to make informed decisions. By assisting in the oversight of administrative projects, the Deputy Chief of Staff, City Council ensures that the council's operations remain organized and efficient. Monaco Philip facilitates communication across various departments, helping to align the efforts of the legislative body with the city's goals for economic development and public safety. This role involves managing the logistics of council meetings and ensuring that all procedural requirements are met. Through the effective coordination of staff and resources, the Deputy Chief of Staff, City Council contributes to the overall success of the legislative agenda. Ultimately, Philip ensures that the council functions smoothly to serve the public interest.

    Tamesha Thompson - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Tamesha Thompson, the Deputy Chief of Staff at New York City Council, manages the outreach and community engagement strategies for the legislative body. Thompson oversees the development of programs that connect the council with diverse demographics, ensuring that public feedback informs the legislative process. By coordinating with community organizations and advocacy groups, the Deputy Chief of Staff strengthens the council's ability to address issues like housing affordability and workforce support. Tamesha Thompson directs the implementation of public awareness campaigns that highlight the council's commitment to equitable city services. This role involves managing the relationships between the council and the public, ensuring that every resident feels represented in the legislative process. Through proactive engagement, the Deputy Chief of Staff fosters a collaborative environment that supports the council's mission. Ultimately, Thompson drives the council's impact by ensuring that legislative actions are grounded in the real-world needs of the community.

    Chima Obichere - Deputy Director

    Chima Obichere, the Deputy Director at New York City Council, manages the financial analysis and budgetary oversight for legislative programs. Obichere evaluates the fiscal impact of proposed housing and workforce initiatives, ensuring that every dollar allocated supports the council's commitment to equitable city development. By providing data-driven insights to the leadership team, the Deputy Director informs critical decisions regarding community investments and public service enhancements. Chima Obichere coordinates with various departments to streamline the legislative process, focusing on the efficient distribution of resources across all neighborhoods. This role involves monitoring the performance of economic development projects to ensure alignment with the broader mission of the council. Through meticulous attention to fiscal policy, the Deputy Director maintains the integrity of the legislative budget. Ultimately, Obichere supports the council's ability to deliver high-quality services to youth and seniors by optimizing financial operations.

    Bradley Reid - Deputy Director

    Bradley Reid, the Deputy Director at New York City Council, oversees the operational logistics of legislative sessions and committee hearings. Reid manages the scheduling and coordination of public forums, ensuring that the voices of diverse neighborhoods reach the legislative floor effectively. By streamlining the flow of information between Council Members and the public, the Deputy Director enhances the transparency and accessibility of city government. Bradley Reid directs the implementation of internal protocols that support the daily functions of the council, focusing on the seamless delivery of legislative services. This role involves collaborating with other directors to align operational activities with the council's overarching goals for public safety and housing. Through proactive management of legislative workflows, the Deputy Director ensures that the council remains agile in addressing urgent community issues. Ultimately, Reid facilitates the smooth operation of the legislative body to benefit all New Yorkers.

    Robert Calandra - Deputy Director

    Robert Calandra, the Deputy Director at New York City Council, leads the strategic planning for public safety and community engagement initiatives. Calandra designs frameworks that allow the council to address pressing safety concerns while maintaining strong relationships with local stakeholders. By analyzing trends in urban demographics, the Deputy Director ensures that legislative efforts remain targeted toward the most vulnerable populations, including youth and seniors. Robert Calandra coordinates with various city agencies to integrate public safety policies with broader economic development goals. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional teams to execute community-focused programs that improve the quality of life across all five boroughs. Through the development of robust engagement strategies, the Deputy Director fosters trust between the legislative body and the public. Ultimately, Calandra drives the council's mission by ensuring that safety and equity remain at the forefront of every legislative decision.

    Rick Arbelo - Deputy Director

    Rick Arbelo, the Deputy Director at New York City Council, manages the workforce support and economic development portfolio. Arbelo oversees the implementation of programs designed to boost local employment and provide resources for small businesses within the city. By evaluating the effectiveness of current economic initiatives, the Deputy Director ensures that the council's investments yield tangible benefits for residents. Rick Arbelo collaborates with industry leaders and community organizations to create pathways for sustainable growth across diverse neighborhoods. This role involves monitoring the progress of workforce development projects and adjusting strategies to meet the changing demands of the urban economy. Through the careful administration of economic policy, the Deputy Director supports the council's goal of creating a fair and equitable city for all. Ultimately, Arbelo strengthens the economic foundation of the council by driving initiatives that promote long-term prosperity and stability.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding New York City Council Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads New York City Council?
    New York City Council is led by Katherine Brady-Stepien (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Julie Samuels (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Frank Rapacciuolo (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of New York City Council’s executive team?
    The executive team of New York City Council includes leaders such as Katherine Brady-Stepien (Chief Executive Officer), Julie Samuels (President & Chief Executive Officer), Frank Rapacciuolo (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does New York City Council have?
    New York City Council has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in New York City Council’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of New York City Council includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff & District Office of Julie Menin Speaker, Deputy Chief of Staff, City Council.