Women in leadership positions play an important role in the administration of Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.
Beginning at the top is Deputy Mayor Susan Gerry. Appointed by Mayor Spano in 2024. Gerry is responsible for managing city departments and agencies, major policy initiatives, economic development, the joint administrative functions of the City and Yonkers Public Schools, fiscal planning and policy, and capital programming. Gerry also serves as Secretary of the Yonkers Industrial Development Agency, a member of the Yonkers Economic Development Corporation.
Other high-ranking women in the Spano administration include:
- Denise Egiziaco: Chief of Staff.
- Charlene Indelicato: Planning & Development Commissioner.
- Effie Phillips: Community Advancement and Recruitment Officer.
- Christina Gilmartin: Communications Director.
- Lisa Reyes: Deputy Communications Director.
- Hope Hollinsworth-Coaxum: Director, Office of Constituent Services & Minority Affairs.
- Kelly Chiarella: Director, Office for the Aging.
- Karen Ramos: Executive Director, Workforce Development Board.
- Melissa Goldberg: Director, Film Office.
- Lynette Thomas-Braggs: City Assessor.
- Cheryl Greene, Deputy IT Commissioner
- Elizabeth Janocha, Deputy Finance Commissioner
- Nicole Toro, Deputy Director of the Office of Constituent Services
- Jaime McGill, Executive Director, Yonkers Industrial Development Agency
- Wilson Kimball., President & CEO, Municipal Housing Authority for City of Yonkers (MAHCY)
- Gail Burns, Director, Yonkers Parking Authority
In addition to the executive positions, several other women hold prominent roles within Yonkers’ departments and agencies:
- Corazon Pineda-Isaac: Council Member, 2nd District.
- Deana Norman: Council Member, 1st District.
- Tasha Diaz, Council Member, 3rd District.
- Lakisha Collins-Bellamy: City Council President.
Mayor Spano has instituted several initiatives promoting women in leadership. These initiatives address various aspects, from recognizing achievements to developing leadership skills and promoting equitable opportunities. They include:
- Mayor’s Women’s Advisory Board: This board advises the Mayor on issues affecting women and families in Yonkers, reviews and monitors city policies, and recommends ways to eliminate discrimination and improve opportunities for women.
- Minority / Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Program: This program aims to promote businesses owned by women and minorities by providing resources and support.
- Celebrating women in leadership. Mayor Spano has also recognized women who are making a difference in the community through initiatives like the annual “Women of Distinction” Awards.