Jersey City Mayor-elect James Solomon is unveiling five members of the mayor’s office leadership team just a little over a day before he is sworn in.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“From Day One, this administration will be focused on delivering results for the people of Jersey City,” Solomon began in a statement.
“I’m proud to announce a Mayor’s Office team that reflects our city, understands both our opportunities and challenges, and is ready to get to work building a government as good as its people.”
The Mayor’s Office will be led by Chief of Staff Laura Bustamante, who will oversee Senior Policy Advisor Isaac Smith, Senior Advisor for Inter-Governmental Affairs Stu Thomas, Director of Operations Scheduling Kaitlyn Gavin, Mayor’s Aide and Special Projects Manager Michelle Pérez, and Scheduler Pam Andes.
“The people of Jersey City voted for change, and this team is ready to deliver it. Every person in this office was chosen because they know how to get things done and they’re committed to putting residents first,” noted Bustamante.
“We’re not here for titles or politics. We’re here to make Jersey City more affordable, to deliver on the big things and the basics, and to run an effective government that earns the public’s trust.”
Smith has served as the policy director for Solomon in his capacity as the Ward E councilman in the past three years.
His first governmental job was as an aide to then-Council President Rolando Lavarro, who is returning to the governing body this year after running on Solomon’s slate.
“I’m a proud product of Jersey City public schools and the south side. The affordability crisis isn’t abstract to me – it’s my neighbors, my family, my community,” Smith said.
“I got into policy because I saw what being forgotten does to a community, so I am excited to help bring good government to Jersey City and develop policies that keep working families in the city that raised us.”
Thomas, a North Carolina native who now lives in Jersey City, served as Solomon’s campaign manager in 2021 and 2025, in his successful elections to the Ward E council seat and mayor, respectively.
He previous managed former U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning’s (D-NC) re-election in 2022, and has advised campaigns across New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia, and Iowa.
As senior advisor for inter-governmental affairs, Thomas will manage relationships with county, state, and federal officials, ensuring the administration’s priorities are advanced through strong partnerships and coordinated advocacy.
“Jersey City is strongest when working across partners at the local, county, and state levels. I’m ready to build a coalition that will turn the mayor-elect’s priorities into real wins for residents,” noted Thomas.
Gavin served as deputy campaign manager for Solomon’s mayoral campaign. She previously worked as deputy organizing director for U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY) and field director for Keith Powers’ Manhattan Borough President campaign.
“This administration made big promises to Jersey City. We will make sure we’re organized, efficient, and accountable every single day so we can keep them,” she expressed.
Additionally, Pérez has served as a senior aide to Gov. Phil Murphy (D) in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Cultural Commissions Coordinator for the New Jersey Department of State, and senior government affairs analyst at McCarter & English.
“I’ve spent my career learning how to make government work—in Trenton, in the private sector, and in our community. I’m ready to put that experience to work for the people of Jersey City,” she declared.
Fianlly, Andes has worked in the offices of former Ward E Councilman and Mayor Steven Fulop, ex-Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari, outgoing Ward C Councilman Rich Boggiano, and Lavarro.
“My husband and I raised our three kids in Jersey City and I’ve spent my career serving this community—whether in City Hall or organizing within the community. This is home. I’m proud to join an administration that’s going to fight for the people who live here,” she added.
Earlier today, Solomon announced that former Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose would be Jersey City’s acting public safety director.
