Mayor-Elect Solomon Announces Mayor's Office Leadership Team

Jersey City, NJ (January 14, 2026) — Mayor-elect James Solomon today announced key appointments to the Mayor's Office, assembling a team with deep roots in Jersey City and proven experience in government and public service.

"From Day One, this administration will be focused on delivering results for the people of Jersey City," said Mayor-elect Solomon. "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 the following staff.

"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,” said Chief of Staff Laura 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."

Isaac Smith, Senior Policy Advisor

Isaac Smith is a lifelong resident of Jersey City's southside and a graduate of Jersey City Public Schools. He holds a Master's in Public Policy from George Washington University and began his career fighting for affordability in the office of former Councilman Rolando Lavarro. For the past three years, Smith has served as Policy Director for Councilman Solomon, helping develop legislation including Development Impact Fees, Right-to-Counsel protections for tenants, and the elimination of pool fees. As Senior Policy Advisor, Smith will continue to shape the administration's policy agenda.

"I'm a proud product of Jersey City public schools and the southside,” said Isaac Smith. “The affordability crisis isn't abstract to me - it's my neighbors, my family, my community. 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."

Stu Thomas, Senior Advisor for Inter-Governmental Affairs

Stu Thomas is a veteran strategist who served as Campaign Manager for Mayor-elect Solomon's historic mayoral campaign. He previously managed Solomon's successful 2021 Ward E City Council race and former Congresswoman Kathy Manning's 2022 reelection, 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,” said Stu Thomas. “I'm ready to build a coalition that will turn the Mayor-elect’s priorities into real wins for residents."

Kaitlyn Gavin, Director of Operations Scheduling

Kaitlyn Gavin served as Deputy Campaign Manager for Mayor-elect Solomon's campaign. She previously worked as Deputy Organizing Director for Laura Gillen and Field Director for Keith Powers' Manhattan Borough President campaign. As Director of Operations Scheduling, Gavin will ensure the Mayor's Office runs smoothly as the administration delivers on its commitments.

"This administration made big promises to Jersey City,” said Kaitlyn Gavin. “We will make sure we're organized, efficient, and accountable every single day so we can keep them."

Michelle Pérez, Aide to the Mayor and Special Projects Manager

Michelle Pérez will serve as an aide to the Mayor, leading special projects and coordinating initiatives across city operations. Pérez brings experience across government and the private sector, having served as Senior Aide to the Governor in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Cultural Commissions Coordinator for the New Jersey Department of State, and Senior Government Affairs Analyst at McCarter & English. A Saint Peter's University alum where she served as Student Government President, Pérez holds a Master's degree from Seton Hall University's School of Diplomacy and International Relations. A dual citizen of the United States and Colombia, she remains active in community service through Saint Aedan's Migrant Ministry and the Saint Peter's University Food and Clothes Pantry.

"I've spent my career learning how to make government work—in Trenton, in the private sector, and in our community," said Michelle Pérez. "I'm ready to put that experience to work for the people of Jersey City."

Pam Andes, Scheduler

Pam Andes is a longtime Jersey City resident and mother of three. She is a leader in the Filipino community and organized the city's first-ever Veterans Parade, which drew over 1,000 participants. Andes brings extensive experience in government operations, having served in the offices of former Councilmember and Mayor Steven Fulop, Sheriff Frank Schillari, Council-At-Large Rolando Lavarro, and Councilman Rich Boggiano.

"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," said Pam Andes. "This is home. I'm proud to join an administration that's going to fight for the people who live here."

About Mayor-elect Solomon

James Solomon was elected Mayor of Jersey City on December 2 with a mandate to pursue an aggressive agenda focused on affordability, modernizing city services and operations, and delivering a competent and effective government. Mayor-elect Solomon previously served as a two-term councilman, where he built a reputation for standing against corruption and fighting for housing affordability and a more responsive City government. Mayor-elect Solomon will take office on January 15.

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