Speaker Julie Menin Unveils Senior Leadership Team

 

History-making new appointments include first-ever female Chief of Staff to the City Council Speaker and first-ever Chief Equity Officer

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin today announced a slate of senior leadership appointments. Earlier today, Speaker Menin’s colleagues elected her to lead the city’s legislative body. The diverse and experienced team will play a central role in advancing the Council’s priorities and Speaker Menin’s vision for a more affordable and safer city.

Two of the appointments represent historic firsts for New York City: Miguelina Camilo is the first woman to serve as Chief of Staff in the Speaker’s Office, and Deputy Chief of Staff Simone A. Jones will serve as the Council’s first-ever Chief Equity Officer.

“I’m proud to announce this exceptional and diverse team of senior leaders, who bring deep experience in government and a shared commitment to serving New Yorkers,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “Together, we will work to build a city that’s more affordable, with a stronger, more equitable economy, more affordable housing, and greater investments in our communities. This team reflects the values of New York City and the future we are building together.”

Miguelina Camilo has been appointed Chief of Staff and is the first woman and Latina to serve in this role in the Speaker’s Office. Miguelina has dedicated her legal career to public service for the City of New York, the Bronx, and the Dominican communities from which she comes. Miguelina most recently served as Counsel to Speaker Carl E. Heastie of the New York State Assembly, where she played a senior advisory role overseeing legislative initiatives, including reforms of discovery laws and helping to manage budget negotiations. In this capacity, she coordinated across government agencies, legal teams, and external stakeholders.

Miguelina’s leadership and management experience also extends to the nonprofit sector. She has served as President of the Dominican Bar Association, President of 100 Hispanic Women – Bronx Chapter, and President of the Bronx Women’s Bar Association. In addition, she previously served as a Commissioner of the New York City Board of Elections.

Jonathan Szott will serve as Senior Deputy Chief of Staff, bringing decades of experience in the New York City Council and a proven record of leadership in policy and governance. He has been a trusted advisor and Chief of Staff to three Council Members — Peter F. Vallone Jr., Paul A. Vallone, and most recently, Speaker Julie Menin. Throughout his career, Jonathan has played a central role in advancing legislative priorities and implementing impactful policy solutions. His institutional knowledge of the Council and dedication to public service have supported major initiatives such as the nation’s first municipal Office of Healthcare Accountability. In his new role as Senior Deputy Chief of Staff, Jonathan will continue to provide essential leadership to the Speaker’s team, helping to shape the Council’s agenda and advance policies that make a meaningful difference for the people of New York City.

Simone A. Jones will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff and the inaugural Chief Equity Officer, marking the first time a Council Speaker has established a Chief Equity Officer role. She previously served as Chief of Staff to Council Member Kevin C. Riley, supporting land use applications throughout New York City, and worked under New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie. Simone brings extensive experience in legislative leadership, community-centered governance, and advancing equity across city and state government.

Bhav Tibrewal has been named Chief Advisor. He joins the Speaker’s Office after serving as Political Director at the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council (HTC). After 18 years in the labor movement in roles at HTC and UNITE HERE, he brings a depth of legislative, political, and union campaign experience to the City Council. His record of winning aggressive legislative campaigns and his strong relationships across New York politics will be an incredible asset to the Speaker’s Office.

John Tritt will be joining as Senior Advisor for External Affairs, bringing more than 18 years of experience at the intersection of labor, policy, and New York government. He began his career at the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council as a union organizer. He continued his work in the labor movement in the political department of 32BJ SEIU, leading their efforts in New York on zoning and land use issues. He served at New York City Public Schools as Executive Director of Outreach for Early Childhood Education and Student Enrollment, where he led citywide organizing and communications efforts that enrolled tens of thousands of children annually in Pre-K for All and launched enrollment for 3-K. Most recently, John was Senior Vice President at Moonshot Strategies, where he expanded their labor portfolio. This builds on a career that began as a union organizer and deepened through senior political and external leadership roles across the labor movement.