New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced two new appointments at City Hall in First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright’s office.
Current Chief of Staff Meaghan Brown will be promoted to the new role of chief of external relations, while former city employee Yume Kitasei will join the Adams administration as chief of staff to First Deputy Mayor Wright.
“To solve the crises of today and build a better and more equitable New York City for tomorrow, our administration needs to be able to coordinate and collaborate with our partners across all sectors,” said Mayor Adams. “Meaghan Brown has shown herself to be an invaluable asset to our city over the last year and, in this new role, she will be able to work even more efficiently and effectively with all of our vital public-private partners. I’m also excited to welcome Yume Kitasei back to public service and thrilled have to her government expertise here at City Hall.”
“From United Way to the mayoral transition to my time as first deputy mayor, Meaghan has been by my side as a trusted partner, innovative thinker, and immeasurable colleague,” said First Deputy Mayor Wright. “I am thrilled that, in this new role, she can fully focus on building vital public-private partnerships and managing external relationships. Additionally, I’m thrilled that Yume is returning to city government with her breadth of experience and expertise. Together, we are excited to continue to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for New Yorkers.”
As chief of external relations, Brown’s responsibilities include acting as a liaison to the business and philanthropic communities, overseeing public-private partnerships, and managing external affairs for First Deputy Mayor Wright. Brown will also oversee the Office of Strategic Partnerships and work directly with the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and city-affiliated nonprofits.
“I am excited to lead this impactful work for New York City and to create space and opportunity to engage with our administration in dynamic ways,” said Meaghan Brown, chief of external relations to First Deputy Mayor Wright. “When business, philanthropy, and government work together, so much can be accomplished for our New York City community. I look forward to continuing to serve the Adams administration and the City of New York.”
“I’m excited to work with First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Meaghan Brown in her now role, and the entire team,” said Yume Kitasei, chief of staff to First Deputy Mayor Wright. “It is great to come back home to city government and serve New Yorkers once again.”
Meaghan Brown
Meaghan Brown has served as chief of staff to First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, both in the month since she was promoted to first deputy mayor and for the last year when she served as deputy mayor for strategic initiatives.
Before starting this position, Brown served as chief operating officer for the Adams administration’s mayoral transition.
Previously, Brown was the executive vice president and chief advancement officer at the United Way of New York City, where she oversaw development and operations of more than $50 million in annual revenue from corporate partners and private donors. Brown built and executed the COVID-19 Recovery Fund, raising over $20 million in support, and launched the 2021 “Campaign for Equity.”
Additionally, Brown previously served as the senior vice president and chief development officer, with a focus on transforming traditional giving campaigns and reimagining corporate partnerships into year-round engagement and philanthropic support.
Brown earned her Bachelor of Science in family studies from the University of Arizona and a Master of Science in health care and social services from St. Joseph’s University.
Brown will report to First Deputy Mayor Wright.
Yume Kitasei
Yume Kitasei has over a decade of experience in New York City government. She previously served in the de Blasio administration as chief of staff to the deputy mayor for operations, director of city legislative affairs, and deputy chief of staff to the first deputy mayor.
Prior to joining the de Blasio Administration, Kitasei was chief of staff to New York City Councilmember Margaret Chin.
She is a graduate of Princeton University.
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