Mayor de Blasio Names Karina Jimenez as Director of State Legislative Affairs

April 20, 2021

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio today appointed Karina Jimenez as Director of State Legislative Affairs. Jimenez, a northern Manhattan native, has served in various roles on in the intergovernmental affairs team at City Hall since 2015. As Director of State Legislative Affairs, she will leverage her expertise and relationships to advance the Mayor’s legislative agenda as New York City leads a recovery for all of us.

“Karina is a passionate public servant with a proven track-record of building relationships and achieving wins on behalf of New Yorkers. I am thrilled to welcome her to this new role,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “New York City is the economic and cultural capital of our State. I know Karina will be a fierce champion for our city and will continue on the impressive streak of progressive wins in Albany championed by our outgoing Director Simonia Brown.”

“As New York City recovers and rebuilds, our relationships with officials across New York State are more important than ever,” said incoming Director of State Legislative Affairs Karina Jimenez. “As the daughter of immigrants, I am honored to fight on behalf of all New Yorkers. I am grateful to Mayor de Blasio for the opportunity."

About Karina Jimenez:

Jimenez currently serves as Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor in the Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, where she cultivates connections between the de Blasio administration, agencies and City, State and Federal legislative offices. She has worked to connect the Mayor’s agenda to elected officials across the state and in DC, especially around small business services and immigrant affairs. Before this, Jimenez served as the Director of Member Engagement for the Mayor’s Office of State Legislative Affairs, where she analyzed and advocated for legislation on behalf of the Mayor and City agencies. Jimenez has also served as Director of Community Engagement in the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit, where she maintained relationships with external stakeholders, including elected officials, community organizations, faith-based leaders and agency partners.

Prior to these experiences, Jimenez served as Campaign Manager for Jessica Ramos’ 2018 State Senate primary campaign and in various roles, including as Field Director, for the League of Conservation Voters in Colorado, North Carolina and Virginia. Jimenez earned her BA in Political Science and Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from Binghamton University; State University of New York. Jimenez grew up in northern Manhattan and currently resides in the Bronx. She is the daughter of immigrants and the first in her family to graduate from college.

“I’ve seen first-hand how smart, dedicated and talented Karina is. I’m excited to continue to work with her to deliver for New Yorkers,” said Lydon Sleeper, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. “My deepest thanks to Simonia Brown for her leadership of SLA during the hardest year our City has ever seen. She’s truly made our city a better place.”

“This past year has highlighted the resilience of  New Yorkers, and I’m honored to have been a part of New York City’s response to COVID and to have collaborated with legislative champions to deliver progressive State wins,” said Simonia Brown, outgoing Director of State Legislative Affairs.  “I am grateful to Mayor Bill de Blasio for giving me the opportunity to serve in the Administration over the last 6.5 years and am confident that Karina Jimenez will continue to advocate for the needs of New Yorkers and help deliver equitable solutions in the role of Director of State Legislative Affairs.”