Mayor de Blasio Appoints Thomas Snyder as Chief of Staff

March 30, 2015

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio today appointed Thomas Snyder as Chief of Staff to the Mayor’s Office. A seasoned executive with extensive public sector experience, Snyder brings a commitment to progressive and effective leadership to the position.

A nationally-recognized labor leader, Snyder joins the administration after nearly two decades with UNITE HERE International Union, where he most recently served as International Union Vice President. Prior to joining UNITE HERE, Snyder served the City of Boston in various capacities, most recently supervising various city departments as Administrative Services Director.

“On day one, our administration pledged to provide New Yorkers with strong and effective leadership that will deliver for all our city’s residents. By putting the Mayor’s Office in Snyder’s experienced and capable hands, we continue to build on this pledge today.  I look forward to working alongside Snyder as we strive to provide residents across the five boroughs with the services, support and leadership they deserve,” said Mayor de Blasio.

“Mayor de Blasio’s commitment to providing for every New Yorker – no matter where they come from or how much they earn – has always inspired me, and I’m honored to join him in serving the people of this great city. From organizing hotel workers to helping lead the city of Boston, my mission has always been to ensure working people have the opportunity to succeed – and I know Mayor de Blasio shares this deep conviction,” said incoming Chief-of-Staff Thomas Snyder.

About Thomas Snyder

Thomas Snyder has served as International Union Vice President of UNITE HERE, a union of approximately 265,000 members, since 2009. Snyder joined UNITE HERE in 1996 as an organizer and quickly moved up the ranks, serving as Executive Assistant to the President and National Political Director before taking on his most recent role.

Prior to joining UNITE HERE, Snyder served the city of Boston, first working as Assistant to the Mayor and to the Redevelopment Authority in 1985. In 1991, Snyder moved on to become the Administrative Services Director for the city, where he was responsible for supervising Boston’s Budget, Labor Relations, Contracting, Procurement and Personnel Departments, as well as serving as an administration spokesperson.

Snyder first began his professional career with Massachusetts Fair Share/Citizen Action, a statewide non-profit community organization that advocated for economic justice issues. Snyder joined the organization in 1977 and spent eight years serving in various positions, including Executive Director, Boston Regional Director, Worcester Regional Director and organizer.

Snyder earned his BA with High Distinction from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and attended Columbia University’s Graduate School of Political Science in New York City.