Mayor Adams Appoints Ana Almanzar as Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives

May 26, 2023

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NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of Ana Almanzar as deputy mayor for strategic initiatives, succeeding previous deputy mayor and current First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. Almanzar will assume her role in early June and oversee the same portfolio as the previous deputy mayor for strategic initiatives. 

“For more than a decade, Ana Almanzar has built bridges between non-profits and government,” said Mayor Adams. “From improving health outcomes in diverse communities at the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to overseeing a $25 million poverty reduction initiative on the state level, Ana has shown her ability to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for New Yorkers. Moving to New York City from the Dominican Republic, she has turned her American Dream into a reality, graduating from CUNY and fighting for Latino rights. Ana continues this administration’s tradition of leadership by strong women — especially strong women of color — and I am thrilled to have her as our new deputy mayor for strategic initiatives.”
“It is my greatest honor to continue to serve my fellow New Yorkers in this capacity and to work for a visionary leader like Mayor Adams. I look forward to working alongside this talented team of deputy mayors, our chief of staff, and chief advisor, and others, and I hope to continue the great success First Deputy Mayor Wright brought to this position,” said incoming Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar. “I bring with me many years of experience in the private, public, non-profit, and philanthropic sectors, which have prepared me to take on the role of deputy mayor for strategic initiatives with great excitement. My journey from Las Palmas-Santo Domingo to City Hall has been filled with great challenges and opportunities that made me who I am and fuel my desire to help others reach their goals and dreams. I am ready to ‘Get Stuff Done’ to build a better city for all New Yorkers.”
“I know firsthand the importance of the role of deputy mayor for strategic initiatives” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “Ana’s passion for change, past government experience, and ability to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for New Yorkers is going to benefit our entire city. I’m thrilled to have Ana join this administration and lead in this incredible role.” 

“As a former colleague of Ana Almanzar’s, I saw firsthand a clear demonstration of the skillset needed to thrive in the role of deputy mayor for strategic initiatives,” said Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack. “With decades of experience and an endless drive, Ana is well prepared to deliver on behalf of working New Yorkers and move our city forward. I’m excited to have her join this team and, to once again call her a colleague.” 

“The deputy mayor for strategic initiatives role allows for endless innovation, cross-sector engagement, and the ability to deliver vital services to New Yorkers,” said Chief Advisor Ingrid Lewis Martin. “With Ana Almanzar’s proven track record of community engagement and collaboration, I’m confident in her ability to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for New York City. I’m delighted to welcome Ana to the team, and I look forward to partnering with her to help move our city forward."

“From combatting poverty to supporting nonprofits to leading extensive community engagement, Ana Almanzar brings critical experience and skills to the strategic initiatives portfolio and beyond,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “I am excited to work side by side with Ana to deliver results for all New Yorkers.”

“I am excited to welcome Ana as another sister deputy mayor here at City Hall,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Her experience building partnerships and working with communities across the city and state will benefit all of us here in the halls of government and New Yorkers that will be touched by her work in the strategic initiatives portfolio.”

“I look forward to working with Deputy Mayor Ana Almanzar in her new role,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “Her background in working strategically with community organizations, building relationships, and spearheading major campaigns is a huge asset to this administration and to the city.”

“The role of deputy mayor for strategic initiatives is key to Mayor Adams’ charge that our administration be innovative and work collaboratively to break down siloes,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. “Ana Almanzar brings that creativity to the table, and knows how to get everyone on the same page to effect real change. I look forward to working with her toward an even brighter future for our city.”

Reporting to Deputy Mayor Almanzar will be the commissioners and executive directors of:

• Center for Innovation through Data Intelligence
• City University of the City of New York
• New York City Department of Youth and Community Development
• Mayor’s Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education
• Mayor’s Office of Equity
• Mayor’s Office of Food Policy
• Mayor’s Office of Nonprofits
• Mayor’s Fund and City Affiliated Nonprofits

About Ana Almanzar
Prior to her appointment, Almanzar served as the director of community relations at Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, leading an external relations strategy to advance the foundation’s public-facing agenda and promote relations with community organizations and government entities.

Before joining Mother Cabrini Health Foundation in 2021, Almanzar spent six years as chief of staff to the New York state director of nonprofits. During her tenure, Almanzar helped spearhead multi-platform media campaigns and public efforts throughout the state’s 10 regions. Additionally, she provided oversight of a $25 million poverty reduction initiative while assisting in the community rollout of Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative, which has now expanded to over 15 cities.

In 2010, Almanzar served as program manager of civic engagement, northeast at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). At NALEO, Almanzar was responsible for the development and execution of nationwide civic engagement campaigns through grassroots outreach and multimedia efforts. She also supported citizenship applications and increased community participation for local policy and political initiatives. Finally, Almanzar assisted with community outreach and relationship cultivation with key stakeholders and news outlets for high-impact marketing campaigns promoting political activities.

Almanzar received her associate’s degree from Eugenio Maria De Hostos Community College of The City University of New York and bachelor’s degree from Columbia University. She also holds a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University – School of International and Public Affairs.

Almanzar will report to First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright.

“Congratulations to New York City’s first Dominican Deputy Mayor Ana Almanzar. Ana has a proven track record bringing the nonprofit and government sectors together to support and strengthen New York’s diverse communities,” said Hispanic Federation President and CEO Frankie Miranda. “Ana’s appointment as the next deputy mayor for strategic initiatives is a significant step forward for our city and the administration which continues to reflect the diversity of this great city. I look forward to working with Ana and the Adams’ administration to uplift Latinos in all five boroughs.”

“As a Latina leader in the nonprofit sector, I applaud the appointment of Ana Almanzar, whose background in the public sector and on-the-ground knowledge of community and government relations will lend an important perspective regarding some of the major issues impacting Latinos and other minority communities in the City,” says Acacia Network CEO Lymaris Albors. “We commend the mayor on this historic appointment and look forward to working together.” 

“As the board chair for Alianza Dominicana, we are very excited of the mayor’s appointment of Ana Almanzar as deputy mayor for strategic initiatives,” said Alianza Dominicana Board Chair Robert Abreu. “Ana has a wealth of experience and a proven track record working with government and the non-profit sector, especially in supporting diverse communities and interests. We wish Ana much success.”

“Ana Almanzar possesses a wealth of experience in the realm of nonprofit work, offering valuable expertise and support,” said Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation Executive Director Maria Lizardo. “Drawing upon her years of involvement, she will utilize her experience, leverage her relationships, and collaborate with partners to devise comprehensive strategies that uplift and empower every resident of New York. As a fellow Dominican, I am filled with immense pride witnessing Ana’s remarkable achievements, and I am confident in her ability to champion the needs and aspirations of all individuals.”

“Breaking barriers, forging alliances, and empowering communities – Ana Almanzar embodies the spirit of progress and inclusivity,” said Mixteca Organization Executive Director Lorena Kourousias. “As an immigrant Latina woman myself I celebrate her appointment as city's first Dominican Deputy Mayor, we stand together, united in our commitment to building a brighter future for all New Yorkers. Ana's unwavering dedication, from bridging non-profits to government to championing Latinx rights, demonstrates her ability to turn dreams into reality. Let us celebrate this milestone and continue the legacy of strong women, especially strong women of color, leading us towards a better tomorrow.”

"I want to thank Mayor Adams for this historic moment for the Dominican community in appointing Ana Almanzar as the next city of New York deputy mayor for strategic initiatives,” said Dominicanos USA Executive Director Eddie Cuesta. “Ana is a proven leader who will bring her vast experience working in community relations and civic engagement across nonprofit and government sectors to the Adams administration. I am sure that in her new position, she will help to build a brighter future for millions of New Yorkers.”

“We at the New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce applaud Mayor Adams for this historic appointment of Ana Almanzar as deputy mayor for strategic initiatives, as Ana will be the City’s first Dominican deputy mayor,” said New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President Nick Lugo. “The mayor’s appointment of Ana is a great stride forward for women and most especially for Latino women of color and for young girls as larger and larger openings in the glass ceiling is the new reality. Ana brings with her new position, a wealth of experience in working with community-based organizations and with officials from New York City, New York state and the federal government in meeting the needs of deserving New Yorkers residing in underserved communities. This is an outstanding appointment by the mayor and we at the Chamber wish Ana great success.”

“As a Dominican-American woman of color, I am not only excited but thrilled about Mayor Adam’s appointment of Ana Almanzar as the city's first Dominican deputy mayor,” said New York Women's Chamber of Commerce President Quenia Abreu. “There are a million Dominicans living in New York City, and as a city that is proud of its diversity and inclusion, it makes sense to appoint a smart, experienced Dominican-American woman like Ana Almanzar, who cares deeply for the people of New York City, as deputy mayor of strategic initiatives. I know she is going to represent us well and is going to do a great job in helping Mayor Adam to lead our great city. It’s about time we have a Dominican-American appointed as a deputy mayor! I applaud Mayor Adam’s decision and congratulate him on making sure the diversity of New York City is well represented in his administration.”

“Congratulations Ana Almanzar on today’s appointment by Mayor Adams to serve as deputy mayor for strategic initiatives,” said U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat. “I look forward to collaborating with you and the Adams administration to deliver a future that leaves no New Yorker behind.”

“Mayor Adams has made an excellent choice in Ana Almanzar to lead strategic initiatives within his organization,” said New York City Councilmember Shaun Abreu. “Her long career in public service and demonstrated commitment to serving the people of New York show she has not only the heart, but also the experience to make our city stronger. Her perspective and representation as a Latina is also invaluable for a community working toward political empowerment and engagement.”

“I am proud to say I have known Ana Almanzar for years, and she is exactly the right person to be deputy mayor for strategic initiatives,” said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. “I have seen firsthand Ana’s dynamic leadership, her enormous capacity to think strategically, her ability to build bridges, and her dedication to public service. She has the type of boundless enthusiasm for serving the people that can overcome any challenge. With the appointment of Ana Almanzar as deputy mayor, it a great day for the City of New York.”

“With decades of experience in the public and private sectors, Ana Almanzar has the right combination of skills to take New York City into its next chapter,” said New York State Assemblymember Brian A. Cunningham. “With oversight over New York City’s youth and vital services, Ana will capitalize on innovative partnerships to bring about strategic initiatives and transformational change that benefit our community and the entire city, for years to come.”

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