New York City Council Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

New York City Council has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and legislative oversight.

Driven by a commitment to equitable governance, New York City Council focuses on legislative action and community engagement to enhance the quality of life for all residents, addressing critical urban challenges through policy and advocacy.

Leadership Roles at New York City Council

  • Chief Executive Officer - Katherine Brady-Stepien
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Julie Samuels
  • Chief of Staff - Maricela Cano
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Iva Kaci
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Tamesha Thompson
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Andres Villa
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Stephanie Herrera
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, Legislation & Policy - Jeffrey Baker
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Matthew- George Pitt
  • Katherine Brady-Stepien - Chief Executive Officer

    Katherine Brady-Stepien, the Chief Executive Officer at New York City Council, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the legislative body. Overseeing all departmental functions, Brady-Stepien ensures alignment with the Council's mission to represent New York City's diverse neighborhoods. This leadership role involves driving initiatives focused on housing affordability, workforce development, and public safety, directly impacting the city's equitable growth. By fostering collaboration among the 51 elected Council Members, Katherine Brady-Stepien guarantees that legislative efforts address pressing urban issues and enhance services for all demographics, including youth and seniors. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to passing legislation for economic development and community investments, ultimately improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

    Julie Samuels - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Julie Samuels, the President & Chief Executive Officer at New York City Council, spearheads the strategic direction and administrative leadership of the legislative branch. Samuels guides the Council's engagement with stakeholders to address critical issues like housing affordability and public safety across New York City's diverse neighborhoods. This executive position involves championing policies that promote workforce support and economic development, ensuring a fair and equitable city for all residents. By overseeing the legislative process, Julie Samuels facilitates the passage of laws that enhance community investments and improve the overall quality of life. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering a collaborative environment among the 51 Council Members to effectively serve various demographics, including youth and seniors, through targeted initiatives and improved city services.

    Maricela Cano - Chief of Staff

    Maricela Cano, the Chief of Staff at New York City Council, manages the day-to-day operations and administrative functions supporting the legislative body. Cano directs the coordination of initiatives aimed at addressing key city challenges, including housing affordability and public safety, ensuring efficient execution of the Council's agenda. This critical role involves overseeing the work of Deputy Chiefs of Staff and their respective teams, facilitating communication and workflow across departments. Maricela Cano ensures that legislative efforts to support the workforce and drive economic development are effectively implemented. By managing internal resources and strategic planning, the Chief of Staff guarantees that the Council's commitment to a fair and equitable city is realized through impactful policy and community engagement, enhancing services for all New Yorkers.

    Iva Kaci - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Iva Kaci, the Deputy Chief of Staff at New York City Council, supports the Chief of Staff in managing the legislative body's operational efficiency and strategic implementation. Kaci oversees specific projects and departmental coordination, focusing on initiatives related to housing affordability and public safety across New York City. This role involves ensuring seamless execution of policies designed to enhance workforce support and economic development. Iva Kaci plays a key part in facilitating communication between Council Members and administrative staff, driving the Council's mission for an equitable city. By managing key operational workflows, Kaci contributes to improving services for diverse demographics and ensuring legislative success in community investments and quality of life enhancements for all New Yorkers.

    Tamesha Thompson - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Tamesha Thompson, the Deputy Chief of Staff at New York City Council, assists in the strategic oversight and operational management of the legislative body. Thompson focuses on driving initiatives that address critical urban issues such as housing affordability and public safety, ensuring the Council's legislative agenda progresses effectively. This position involves coordinating efforts across various departments to support workforce development and economic growth within New York City. Tamesha Thompson ensures that the Council's commitment to representing diverse neighborhoods and enhancing community investments is upheld through diligent operational support. By managing key administrative functions, Thompson contributes to the Council's overarching goal of creating a fair and equitable city with improved quality of life for all residents.

    Andres Villa - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Andres Villa, the Deputy Chief of Staff at New York City Council, provides critical support in managing the legislative body's strategic objectives and operational execution. Villa directs specific projects focused on enhancing public safety and housing affordability, ensuring the Council's initiatives align with the needs of New York City's diverse communities. This role involves coordinating inter-departmental efforts to advance workforce support and stimulate economic development across the city. Andres Villa ensures that legislative actions aimed at community investments and improving the quality of life are implemented efficiently. By overseeing key operational workflows and facilitating communication, Villa contributes to the Council's mission of fostering an equitable and responsive government for all New Yorkers.

    Stephanie Herrera - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Stephanie Herrera, the Deputy Chief of Staff at New York City Council, supports the Chief of Staff in managing the legislative body's strategic priorities and operational activities. Herrera focuses on initiatives related to workforce support and economic development, ensuring the Council's policies contribute to a thriving New York City. This role involves coordinating efforts to address pressing issues such as housing affordability and public safety, guaranteeing legislative actions meet community needs. Stephanie Herrera ensures that the Council's commitment to equitable growth and improved quality of life for all residents is effectively translated into actionable plans. By managing key operational aspects, Herrera contributes to the Council's mission of representing diverse neighborhoods and fostering impactful community investments.

    Jeffrey Baker - Deputy Chief of Staff, Legislation & Policy

    Jeffrey Baker, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Legislation & Policy at New York City Council, directs the strategic development and implementation of legislative proposals and policy frameworks. Baker oversees the analysis and drafting of legislation aimed at addressing critical urban issues, including housing affordability, workforce support, and public safety across New York City. This executive function involves ensuring policy initiatives align with the Council's mission for an equitable city and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Jeffrey Baker guides the legislative process to foster economic development and community investments, working closely with Council Members and stakeholders. The Deputy Chief of Staff, Legislation & Policy's responsibilities are crucial for translating the Council's vision into effective laws and programs that benefit diverse demographics.

    Matthew- George Pitt - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Matthew- George Pitt, the Deputy Chief of Staff at New York City Council, supports the Chief of Staff in managing the legislative body's operational and strategic functions. Pitt focuses on initiatives that enhance public safety and housing affordability, ensuring the Council's agenda effectively serves New York City's diverse neighborhoods. This role involves coordinating efforts to advance workforce support and economic development, contributing to the city's equitable growth. Matthew- George Pitt ensures that legislative actions promoting community investments and improving the quality of life are executed efficiently. By overseeing key operational workflows and facilitating inter-departmental collaboration, Pitt strengthens the Council's capacity to address critical urban challenges and serve all residents.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Government

    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 Maricela Cano (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), Maricela Cano (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does New York City Council have?
    New York City Council has 9 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, Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff.