Emma Pfohman
CEO
Association for a Better New York
Emma Pfohman became the Chief Executive Officer at the Association for a Better New York (ABNY) in May 2025.
Emma Pfohman has worked for the last three mayoral administrations advancing economic development projects, building public-private partnerships, supporting New York City’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and creating opportunity for New Yorkers. Pfohman currently serves as a Senior Advisor to New York City’s First Deputy Mayor, overseeing policies and investments in the creative and tourism sectors to help fuel the city’s economic recovery. In this role, Pfohman led the city’s successful bid to secure the 2026 FIFA World Cup; launched the city’s first-ever industry councils for digital gaming, film & television, and live performance; secured the largest-ever cultural budget; and oversaw the administration’s OneLIC plan to bring housing and infrastructure investments to Long Island City.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pfohman supported New York City’s first-wave emergency response to secure necessary supplies, medical staffing, and hospital capacity. She then established and managed the Department of Homeless Services’ first-ever shelter testing program to serve more than 150 shelters citywide. She also established and operated the NYC Mobile Bus Vaccine program, operating over ten mobile clinics daily that delivered over 500,000 vaccines to New Yorkers across the city.
Pfohman previously served as Chief of Staff in the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, a 100-person agency dedicated to strengthening and diversifying New York City’s creative economy. Prior to this, she served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development where she oversaw Commissioner’s Office operations and advanced initiatives in the ambitious “Housing New York 2.0” plan.
Prior, Pfohman worked on the government and community relations team at the New York City Economic Development Corporation and served as a Policy Advisor in the Commissioner’s Office of the Department of Small Business Services. She received her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Fordham University. She lives in Queens with her husband, and they are expecting their first child in January 2025.