New York, NY — Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal today announced the appointment of Miesha Smith as Deputy Borough President, bringing to the administration a deep commitment to public service, higher education, small business vitality, and equity for working families across Manhattan.
The position of Deputy Borough President is a Charter-mandated role established under the New York City Charter, which authorizes the Borough President to appoint a Deputy and delegate powers of the office. Under the Charter, the Deputy Borough President may temporarily assume the duties of the Borough President when needed and serves as Acting Borough President in the event of a vacancy until a special election is held.
Smith most recently served as Assistant Dean for Student Life at Hunter College, where she has worked since 2014. Since 2016, as Director of Student Life, her portfolio included launching Hunter’s food pantry and fresh food program, expanding emergency support services, and advancing initiatives that improved student retention and graduation rates by fostering student wellness, intellectual curiosity, and experiential learning.
Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in American Government, Philosophy, and Sociology from Dartmouth College in 2009. She went on to work for multiple elected officials and political campaigns, including Obama for America in 2012, building a career rooted in public service and civic engagement.
The daughter of immigrants from Guyana, Smith is a product of the American Dream and has lived in Harlem for the past eight years. She has also served for four years on the board of the Food Education Fund, which supports New York City public
school students through hands-on training and real-world experience in hospitality and food service careers.
As Deputy Borough President, Smith will focus on supporting public education, strengthening small businesses, and advancing arts and culture, three top priorities of Hoylman-Sigal’s administration.
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said:
“Miesha Smith is one of those success stories that makes you proud to be a New Yorker. Her immigrant parents inspired Miesha to enter public service, where she has served her entire professional career in a number of challenging roles, including as a Dean of Student Life at Hunter College. She brings a wealth of experience to the Borough President’s office, and I’m thrilled to welcome her as Deputy Borough President to work on key issues of our agenda.”
Deputy Borough President Miesha Smith said:
“I am deeply honored to serve as Deputy Borough President and grateful to Borough President Hoylman-Sigal for his trust. As the daughter of Guyanese immigrants, I understand how access to education, affordability, and strong public institutions can change the course of a family’s future. I look forward to expanding opportunity, strengthening education at every level, supporting small businesses that anchor our neighborhoods, and connecting Manhattan’s vibrant arts and culture from uptown to downtown.”
Former Deputy Borough President Keisha Sutton James said:
“I am excited about Borough President Hoylman-Sigal’s choice for Deputy Borough President and delighted to welcome DBP Miesha Smith to the Manhattan Borough President’s Office family. Through her leadership at Hunter College, she has shown a deep commitment to students and their families, a strategic mindset, and an ability to build programs and institutions that work for everyday New Yorkers. Miesha brings care, clarity, and purpose to her work, and I know she will serve everyday Manhattanites with heart, integrity, and a steady hand.”