Mayor Mamdani Appoints Veteran City Leader Anthony Shorris as President and CEO of NYCEDC

As First Deputy Mayor, Shorris Served as Chief Operating Officer with a $100 Billion Budget and Delivered Paid Parental and Sick Leave to Millions of Workers

Shorris Spent More than 40 Years Leading Nation's Largest Public and Non-Profit Organizations

Shorris Helped Architect Mayor Koch's Historic Housing Plan, Dedicating More than $4 Billion to Build and Rehabilitate Nearly 200,000 Affordable Homes

Administration Names Former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan as Chair of the EDC Board of Directors

NEW YORK, NY-Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani appointed Anthony Shorris as President and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Shorris brings more than 40 years of experience leading many of the largest public sector and non-profit organizations in the country, having managed multibillion-dollar budgets, tens of thousands of employees and the strategic direction of city and state agencies across government, transportation, housing, healthcare and education.

Shorris takes the helm of EDC as the Mamdani administration works to make New York more affordable and to ensure that economic development reaches the working people who keep the city running. Under Shorris' leadership, EDC will use city-owned land, financing and investment to build affordable housing, create good jobs, support small businesses and deliver public goods in every borough.

As First Deputy Mayor under Mayor Bill de Blasio, Shorris served as chief operating officer of a city government of roughly 350,000 employees, a $100 billion annual budget and more than three dozen agencies. Earlier, as a senior budget official under Mayor Edward I. Koch, Shorris helped architect the Ten-Year Housing Plan, the largest municipal housing initiative in the country at the time, dedicating more than $4 billion in city capital to the construction and rehabilitation of nearly 200,000 units of affordable housing in neighborhoods that had been devastated by disinvestment and arson. As Finance Commissioner, he led the fourth-largest tax agency in the nation, cracked down on tax fraud in some of the largest investigations in city history and created the city's first Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

Over his career, Shorris also served as Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Deputy Chancellor for Operations at the Department of Education and in senior healthcare leadership at NYU Langone Health and Healthfirst, the nonprofit insurer he helped launch to serve low-income New Yorkers. He teaches at Princeton University and serves as Vice Chair of the Regional Plan Association.

The administration also announced that former Chair of the Federal Trade Commission Lina Khan will serve as Chair of the EDC Board of Directors. She will bring that experience to her new role, partnering with Shorris to help EDC deliver reliably for working New Yorkers in every borough.

"To achieve real economic justice in our city, we need to continue to grow our economy, attract new businesses to the five boroughs and create more job opportunities so New Yorkers can stay New Yorkers. Tony is a proven leader with decades of experience proving that economic development can and must include the working class. Building a fairer, more resilient economy has always been at the heart of his work and I look forward to working closely with him to advance that mission at EDC," said Mayor Mamdani. "Lina Khan has fought exploitation and dishonesty in courtrooms and classrooms across the country, and given us the blueprint for a government that delivers for working people. As Chair of the EDC Board of Directors, I know that Lina will not only steer our administration's economic development efforts toward a new era of opportunity, but ensure justice is the driving principle behind all of our work."

"Tony Shorris brings a rare depth of experience to this work-decades spent showing how thoughtful public leadership can deliver results for New Yorkers. And in Lina Khan, we have a chair who has spent her career ensuring our economy works fairly for consumers and small businesses alike," said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. "Together, they'll help EDC use every tool at its disposal to build a city that's more affordable and more just for the people who call it home."

"I'm honored to take on this role at a moment when New York is asking bigger questions about who its economy is for," said Anthony Shorris. "I look forward to working with businesses, labor and communities to grow an economy that all New Yorkers can share in."

"EDC has a vital role to play in ensuring that New York's economy is growing in ways that make our city more affordable, efficient and resilient," said EDC Board Chair Lina Khan. "I look forward to working with the administration to advance this vision and make life materially better for New Yorkers."

The administration today also announced the reappointment of Clare Newman as President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island and Lindsay Greene as President and CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation.

"Tony Shorris brings a truly exceptional mix of experience, energy and strength to Mayor Mamdani's economic development team," said New York Director of State Operations Jackie Bray. "I've long known Tony as a trusted partner, mentor and friend to so many city and state leaders and having him at the helm of such a critical agency will only make our shared mission to drive growth and opportunity stronger. His deep public sector leadership, strategic judgement and proven ability to get big things done make him an outstanding choice to lead NYC EDC. This is exactly the kind of seasoned and steady leadership that will make a difference from day one."

"Tony Shorris is an accomplished public-sector leader whose experience, sound judgment and deep knowledge of New York City government will serve EDC well," said New York City Comptroller Mark Levine. "At a moment when our city must strengthen its economic competitiveness and ensure growth benefits New Yorkers in every borough, EDC needs a steady and effective hand at the helm. Tony is an excellent choice, and I look forward to working with him in this important role."

"Anthony Shorris brings decades of experience in public service and a deep understanding of how city government works," said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. "I congratulate him on his appointment, and look forward to working together on behalf of New Yorkers."

"I congratulate Tony Shorris on his appointment to lead NYCEDC. I had the opportunity to work with Tony during my time in the de Blasio Administration, and I know him to be a thoughtful leader who cares deeply about New York City and the people who call it home," said Speaker Julie Menin. "At a time when New Yorkers are facing an affordability crisis and our city is competing every day to retain and attract good-paying jobs, strong economic development leadership is more important than ever. I know Tony understands what's at stake, and I look forward to working with him to strengthen our economy, support small businesses and expand opportunity in every borough."

"The administration has found someone with real stature, great knowledge of the city and its diverse communities, and a champion of both economic growth and the needs of communities across the five boroughs," said Kathy Wylde, former President and Chair of the Partnership for New York.

"The New York Building Congress congratulates Anthony Shorris on his appointment as President and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation. Throughout his distinguished career, Anthony has led some of New York's most consequential public and private sector institutions, including serving as First Deputy Mayor, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and as a partner at McKinsey & Company. His decades of leadership and deep understanding of government, infrastructure and economic development make him exceptionally well suited to lead NYCEDC," said Carlo Scissura, President and CEO of the New York Building Congress. "We applaud Mayor Mamdani on an outstanding selection-someone who will truly bring together housing and economic development and growth-and look forward to working with him to advance the projects, partnerships and investments that will strengthen our economy, create jobs and build a more prosperous New York City."

"I am grateful to Mayor Mamdani and Deputy Mayor Su for the opportunity to continue leading the Brooklyn Navy Yard and to deepen its role as a powerful engine of economic justice and opportunity for New Yorkers," said Lindsay Greene, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. "For generations, the Brooklyn Navy Yard has shown what is possible when we invest in working people. From the thousands of Rosie the Riveters and Black Americans who earned family-sustaining wages here during World War II to today's entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and innovators, the Yard has been a place where economic justice is put into practice. We are proud to carry that legacy forward by creating quality jobs, supporting inclusive businesses, and expanding pathways to opportunity through our advanced manufacturing workforce training programs and the recently expanded Brooklyn STEAM Center. Together with this Administration, we will continue building a more inclusive, innovative, and equitable economy that delivers lasting opportunity for working families across New York City."

"Tony Shorris is a longtime civil servant who will bring decades of leadership experience and a deep understanding of New York City's forward trajectory to the helm of the Economic Development Corporation," said Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. "This role requires integrity, versatility and a clear vision for our business community and the hardworking people who keep our economy running, and Mr. Shorris brings just that. The Building Trades looks forward to collaborating with him closely to redefine a vision for NYC EDC that centers economic justice and will create more opportunities for our members and all middle-class New Yorkers working to support their families and maintain roots in their communities."

"Anthony Shorris is an outstanding choice to lead the New York City Economic Development Corporation. His decades of leadership across government, higher education and the private sector have been defined by a commitment to building a stronger New York City. His experience leading large and complex public institutions, combined with his deep expertise in economic development and infrastructure, make him exceptionally well suited to lead NYCEDC at a pivotal moment for our city's future," said Council Member Virginia Maloney. "As a former NYCEDC alum and Chair of the City Council's Committee on Economic Development, I look forward to working with Anthony to build a stronger, fairer City that attracts the industries that will define tomorrow, and keeps New York the economic capital of the world."

"Tony is one of the most knowledgeable and dedicated public servants I've ever worked with, with unique experience spanning business, health care, education, and infrastructure-he's truly one of a kind," said Richard R. Buery, Jr., CEO, Robin Hood. "Given this moment of economic transformation and geopolitical uncertainty, New York City is lucky to have an EDC CEO who brings this kind of cross-sector credibility and experience to the challenge of growing jobs and expanding opportunity, while remaining so clearly grounded in values of equity and economic justice. He's the perfect choice, and NYC is lucky to have him."

"Tony Shorris has been a dedicated public servant and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this important role," said Brendan Griffith, President of the NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. "Mayor Mamdani's choice to appoint Tony as President of the Economic Development Corporation is a recognition of both the significance of the EDC as well as the challenges it faces. The NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO looks forward to working with Mr. Shorris to ensure that as the city's economy grows we increase economic opportunities for working New Yorkers and uphold Labor Standards that ensure working families can not only afford to live in, but can thrive in the communities they love."

"Mayor Mamdani has made an excellent choice. Tony Shorris is a model public servant, an inspiration to a whole generation of municipal workers, and a true believer in the power of government to improve people's lives and support economic growth that benefits all New Yorkers," said Ben Furnas, Executive Director at Transportation Alternatives. "As President of EDC he will have a key role in building out high quality infrastructure - including greenways, plazas, ports, and ferries - that will make our city more livable and economically competitive, and make our streets the envy of the world. We look forward to working with him and the whole team at EDC!"

About Anthony Shorris
Anthony Shorris was born in New York City. He has spent 25 years in public service, including serving as Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Commissioner of Finance, Deputy Chancellor of the Department of Education, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey and, most recently, as the City's First Deputy Mayor for the first term of Mayor Bill de Blasio. During his 15 years in non-profit and academic work, he has served as Executive Vice President of Healthfirst, Vice Dean and Chief of Staff of NYU Langone Health, Director of the Rudin Center for Transportation Policy at NYU, and Director of the Policy Research Institute for the Region at Princeton University. Today, he is a Partner at McKinsey & Company and teaches in the graduate program at the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. He is Vice Chair of the Regional Plan Association and a member of the Board of the United Hospital Fund. Shorris is a graduate of Harvard College and Princeton University. He lives in New York City with his wife.

About Lina Khan
Lina Khan is an associate professor of law at Columbia Law School, where she directs the Center for Law and the Economy. From June 2021 through January 2025 Khan served as Chair of the Federal Trade Commission, where she managed a $425 million budget and enforced the nation's antitrust and consumer protection laws. Her major initiatives included tackling noncompete clauses that harm workers and entrepreneurs, challenging monopolistic practices that squeeze start-ups and small businesses, and ensuring that honest businesses can compete on a level playing field. Previously Khan served as counsel to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law. She is a graduate of Williams College and Yale Law School.

About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city's future economy. To learn more about what we do, visit us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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