On December 26, 2024, Daniel Lurie, the newly elected Mayor of San Francisco, announced the appointments of several government leaders to assist him in addressing the current challenges facing San Francisco. These appointments reflect his commitment to a diverse and professional team.
According to a press release from Lurie’s office, Adam Thongsavat has been appointed as the City Auditor Liaison Officer, Andre Adeyemi as the Executive Affairs Director, Aly Bonde as a Policy Advisor, EJ Jones as the Community Affairs Director, and Eileen Mariano as the State and Federal Affairs Manager.
Lurie stated, “These leaders are ready to face challenges and serve the citizens. Each member possesses outstanding expertise and a deep understanding of accountability, service, and the importance of change. Together, we will tackle the most pressing challenges of our city and ensure that San Francisco becomes a city that serves everyone.”
Here are brief introductions of the appointed personnel:
Adam Thongsavat currently serves as Legislative Assistant to District 8 Councilor Rafael Mandelman, focusing on issues such as homelessness, behavioral health, and small businesses. With over a decade of experience in politics, private, and public sectors, Thongsavat began his career in Obama’s re-election campaign and played a significant role in national election campaigns.
He will now transition to Mayor Lurie’s administration as the City Council Liaison Officer, supporting and promoting legislative initiatives proposed by Mayor Lurie and facilitating effective communication and collaboration with the City Council Oversight Committee and its staff.
Adeyemi brings over ten years of experience in public service, talent recruitment, and administrative management, spanning government, non-profit organizations, and the tech industry. He held key positions in the offices of former Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly and current U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. He has also worked for several tech companies and non-profit organizations.
He graduated from Wabash College and holds an MBA from the College of William and Mary.
Aly Bonde is a distinguished leader in public policy and local government, with extensive experience working across various policy areas in the Bay Area. She previously served as Government Relations Director at Planned Parenthood Northern California, collaborating with local governments in 20 counties. Prior to that, she helped Oakland advance a $1 million public-private partnership project.
Bonde holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis, and a master’s degree from UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy. She is a sixth-generation Californian and the great-great-granddaughter of San Francisco’s first mayor.
EJ Jones, a native of San Francisco, has dedicated himself to public service and community development. He has served as a legislative assistant in city government and as a Housing Director at the Bernal Heights Community Center, focusing on affordable housing development and land policies. With nearly 15 years of service in various mutual aid organizations, community centers, and neighborhood groups, Jones has a deep understanding of community needs, strong initiative, and leadership skills.
Eileen Mariano, born and raised in San Francisco as a fourth-generation resident, worked for Mayor London Breed for three years as a Youth and Family Advisor before assuming the role of State and Federal Affairs Manager. During this time, she advocated for initiatives like the Children and Families Resilience Plan, Early Educator Compensation Plan, support for reforming the state’s guardianship system, public safety, housing simplification laws, and coordinated efforts with the city government to secure large-scale investments in transportation, parks, and climate improvement.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Biology from Stanford University and a master’s degree in Public Health from Harvard University.