Merced native named New York mayor’s deputy chief of staff

Golden Valley High alumna Andrea Zuniga was appointed Friday to the deputy chief of staff for New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, the city of New York announced.

Zuniga will work under Thomas Snyder, chief of staff.

The 36-year-old graduated in Golden Valley High’s Class of 1996, the school confirmed. She attended American University in Washington, D.C., and earned her degree in political science before earning her law degree from the George Washington University, said Timmi Zuniga, Andrea’s mother.

As deputy chief of staff, Zuniga will help oversee policy initiatives and assist in the direction of day-to-day operations of the mayor’s schedule and executive offices, according to a city of New York news release.

“Andrea will strengthen our team with her deep commitment to progressive values and background in organizing and activism, having spent years fighting for workers’ rights,” de Blasio said in a statement.

Zuniga most recently served as a legislative representative for the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, where she was an advocate on issues relating to immigration, civil rights and paid leave, the news release said.

“I look forward to working closely with the chief of staff to ensure City Hall runs smoothly and effectively, both in the long term and on a day-to-day basis,” Zuniga said in a statement.

Zuniga has lived in Washington, D.C., for about 20 years.

This story was originally published August 7, 2015 at 5:32 PM with the headline "Merced native named New York mayor’s deputy chief of staff."