Jersey City Mayor James Solomon, who was sworn in at midnight on Jan. 15, 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 Solomon 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.
“The people of Jersey City voted for change, and this team is ready to deliver it,” she said. “Every person in this office was chosen because they know how to get things done, and they’re committed to putting residents first.
“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.”
Bustamante will oversee the following staff:
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 intergovernmental affairs
Stu Thomas is a veteran strategist who served as campaign manager for Solomon’s mayoral run. He previously managed Solomon’s successful 2021 Ward E City Council race and former Congresswoman Kathy Manning’s 2022 reelection. He has also 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 Thomas. “I’m ready to build a coalition that will turn the mayor’s priorities into real wins for residents.”
Kaitlyn Gavin, director of operations scheduling
Kaitlyn Gavin served as deputy campaign manager for Solomon’s mayoral 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 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 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 Andes. “This is home. I’m proud to join an administration that’s going to fight for the people who live here.”
