August 24, 2020
City & State New York
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ARLENE GONZÁLEZSÁNCHEZ
MIGUEL FUENTES
President and CEO BronxCare Health System
Commissioner State O ffic e of Addic tion Servic es and Su pports Arlene González-Sánchez may not be one of the most high-profile commissioners in the Cuomo administration, but she is among the most experienced and wellqualified. That has helped González-Sánchez stay on since Gov. Andrew Cuomo appointed her at the start of his first term. Her work is increasingly critical in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and the economic recession. She is also part of ongoing efforts to curb opioid abuse.
53 EDWIN QUEZADA
Superintendent Yonkers Pu blic Sc hools The state’s fourth-largest school district has experienced a renaissance under Edwin Quezada, superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools. Overseeing 3,500 staff members in a system with a student body of 27,000, Quezada has improved graduation rates, lowered the dropout rate and boosted state test scores. His latest challenge is how to navigate the coronavirus pandemic, and he’s moving his district forward with a hybrid plan the combines remote and in-person learning for most students.
54 MELISSA MARK-VIVERITO
Former New York City Council Speaker Even without any legislative power, former New York City
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Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito continues to fight for just causes, including those central to the betterment of her native Puerto Rico. In New York City, Mark-Viverito is credited for turning her vision for the closure of Rikers Island into a reality. However, after failed bids for New York City public advocate and for Congress, it’s unclear what’s next for MMV.
55 CAMILLE RIVERA
Partner New Deal Strategies Camille Rivera brings a wealth of knowledge on New York City government and politics to New Deal Strategies, a political consulting firm specializing in strategy, speechwriting and even joke-writing. Working for candidates solely on their progressive merits, Rivera, who was previously with the
BronxCare Health System, the rebranded Bronx-Lebanon Hospital, is being led by a familiar face in Miguel Fuentes. Fuentes has devoted 40 years to the notArlene Gonzáfor-profit hospital in lez-Sánchez various capacities. leads efforts With the Bronx still against opioids. ranked as the state’s unhealthiest county, don’t be surprised New York City Department of to see Fuentes harness the Homeless Services, is fearless power of the community in her desire to see more hospital to reverse that as women and people of color quickly as possible. run for public office – and win.
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ALICIA GUEVARA
RAFAEL ESPINAL
CEO Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City The first woman to lead the 116-year-old nonprofit, Alicia Guevara’s mission looks to ensure that the city’s underserved have a fighting chance at a bright future, matching young ones (the “littles”) with responsible adults (the “bigs”) to make that happen. The resident of the Riverdale section of the Bronx, who once ran the social services nonprofit Part of the Solution in Fordham, now works to increase the mentorship figures in her home borough.
Executive Director Freelanc ers Union Rafael Espinal stunned New York City’s political world this year when he announced he would be leaving the New York City Council to run the Freelancers Union. Espinal’s victories included seeing his bill on legalizing basement apartments turn into a pilot program and the repeal of an outdated cabaret law. As head of the Freelancers Union, Espinal’s representation of some 490,000 members will be increasingly relevant as the gig economy continues to expand.
Espinal stu nned the politic al world when he annou nc ed he wou ld be leaving the City Cou nc il.