Every leader is only as effective as the team behind them. Here in the office of City Council District 36, we are proud to have built a team of highly-capable people from diverse backgrounds who are committed to the job and to our constituents. Feel free to reach out and get to know us!
Chief of Staff
Arlean Gillin directs all that happens within New York City Council District 36. Everything from constituent services to community events to our world-famous Wellness Wednesday Program falls under her purview. How does she handle this portfolio without succumbing to exhaustion? She draws energy directly from the electric buzz of our Brooklyn blocks. And she is a superhero.
She can be reached at AGillin@council.nyc.gov
Director of Policy and Budget
May Vutrapongvatana is a lawyer, boxer, and legislative wizard — a true triple-threat. She is responsible for the legislative side of our office: developing and passing laws and designing the budget (and our chic graphics). When she’s not leading our land-use efforts and the Council’s Brooklyn Delegation, she’s hanging out with her dog, Kooks.
She can be reached at MVutrapongvatana@council.nyc.gov
District Manager and Scheduler
Tasheika Gordon is responsible for everything that happens within our district and manages our complex calendar. Constituents bring in a wide range of cases, from seeking affordable housing to dealing with City agencies. Tasheika handles them all with sharp conviction and tireless grace. She also serves as scheduler, managing an agenda whose volume and complexity rival that of the President.
She can be reached at TGordon@council.nyc.gov
Press Secretary
Saha Guerrero is the man behind the scenes. He makes sure every video reaches your screen and every win for Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights gets the recognition our neighbors deserve. He manages our communications, press relationships, and social media, including the videos you all know and love, and gets the word out so you always know we’re here to help you.
He can be reached at SGuerrero@council.nyc.gov
Operations Manager and Constituent Services Liaison
Morgan Beatty is one of the first points of contact between our office and the community. You can reach out to her with a wide range of concerns, and she will always make sure you are in good hands.
She can be reached at MBeatty@council.nyc.gov
Community Engagement Manager and Constituent Services Liaison
Sam Daponte advocates on behalf of our constituents and is a cornerstone of Wellness Wednesdays. He supports a wide range of community affairs and was our office’s first Albert Vann fellow. Every day, he proudly continues that legacy of community service.
He can be reached at sdaponte@council.nyc.gov