Columbia GS Alumna Appointed New York Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives

Ana Almanzar ‘07GS, ‘09SIPA brings a wealth of philanthropic experience to the Adams administration.

July 01, 2023

Ana Almanzar ‘07GS, ‘09SIPA has been appointed Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives by New York mayor Eric Adams. She succeeds fellow Columbia alumna Sheena Wright '90CC, '94LAW in the role, and will be responsible for overseeing arenas such as the Mayor’s Office of Equity, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, and the City University of New York (CUNY), of which Almanzar is an alumna as well. 

“This work is personal to me,” said Almanzar in remarks following Mayor Adams announcement of her appointment at city hall. “I want New Yorkers to know that you have an immigrant Latina who came to this city with a dream, whose first degree was from Hostos Community College, a proud CUNY school, and understands firsthand the role government can and must play to work for hardworking people.” Notably, Almanzar is the first person of Dominican heritage to hold the role of New York deputy mayor. 

"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.”

“For more than a decade, Ana Almanzar has built bridges between nonprofits and government,” said Mayor Adams of his appointee, referencing the valuable professional perspective Almanzar will bring to the position. In her illustrious career, Almanzar has served as program manager of civic engagement northeast at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), chief of staff to the New York state director of nonprofits, and most recently director of community relations at Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. In all of these roles, Almanzar has deftly interfaced between government, nonprofit, and community representatives and interests, making her uniquely qualified to take on the intersectional responsibilities of deputy mayor. 

As Almanzar put it, “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.”