Sheena Wright

First Deputy Mayor, City of New York 

First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright proudly serves the city of New York. Joining the Adams Administration in January 2022, Wright initially served as the deputy mayor for strategic initiatives after chairing the mayoral transition. As a key leader in the execution of the administration’s priorities, Wright was appointed first deputy mayor by Mayor Eric Adams in January 2023.

Wright provides strategic direction, operational and budgetary oversight for New York City. She advises on the city’s fiscal practices, including the annual budget creation. Wright’s vision and focus help shape the critical programs and policy initiatives with the Deputy Mayors for Health and Human Services, Economic Housing & Workforce Development, Operations and Strategic Initiatives. As such, Wright provides leadership for city agencies & mayoral offices, and she works closely with federal and state lawmakers on behalf of the city.

First Deputy Mayor Wright also oversees the Department of Citywide Administrative Services and the Department of Finance, as well as the Offices of Management and Budget, Policy & Planning, and Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprises. First Deputy Mayor Wright co-leads the city’s Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. Additionally, Wright led the city’s Blueprint for Childcare and Early Childhood Education and oversaw the record expansion of the Summer Rising and Summer Youth Employment Programs.

First Deputy Mayor Wright previously served as the first female president and CEO of United Way of New York City and president and CEO of Abyssinian Development Corporation. She practiced law, including for five years at the prestigious law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. First Deputy Mayor Wright has been named number one on City & State New York’s “Nonprofit Power 100,” listed in Crain’s New York Business’ “Notable Black Leaders and Executives,” and named numerous times as a notable nonprofit executive and civil servant. She is a graduate of Columbia University and Columbia Law School, where she graduated with honors.