Meera Joshi, the former Deputy Mayor for Operations in New York City, is taking on a new leadership role — overseeing the 570,000 permanent residents of Brooklyn’s historic Green-Wood Cemetery.
A New Chapter for a Storied Landmark
The Green-Wood Cemetery Board of Trustees announced Joshi as its next president following what it called an “extensive search.” The board praised her “exceptional leadership, deep management skills, and comprehensive understanding of how to navigate complex urban challenges.”
In a statement, Joshi said, “It is an honor to join the amazing Green-Wood team as we together write the next chapter of this magical institution’s history. From the over 570,000 New York stories of Green-Wood’s residents to the most unique natural green public space in New York City, Green-Wood offers serenity, beauty and adventure for all — a true city and national public gem that everyone, especially, true New Yorkers, must visit.”
From City Hall to Sacred Ground
Joshi served for three years as Deputy Mayor for Operations under Mayor Eric Adams, managing major city agencies tied to infrastructure, operations, and sustainability, including Sanitation, Parks, Environmental Protection, and the Office of Climate and Environmental Justice.
She previously worked as the CEO of the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission for five years and worked at the U.S. Department of Transportation as a deputy administrator. Joshi also serves as vice chair of the Hudson River Park Trust Board of Directors.
A Controversial Departure from City Hall
Joshi resigned in February, along with three other deputy mayors, amid controversy surrounding Mayor Adams’ alleged willingness to support President Donald Trump’s immigration policies in exchange for leniency in a federal corruption probe.
The charges against Adams were ultimately dismissed.
Green-Wood’s Next Phase
Peter Davidson, chairman of Green-Wood’s board, told The New York Times that the cemetery is looking to modernize outdated infrastructure, including its roads, sewer systems, monuments, and green spaces. These are areas where Joshi’s city government experience will prove valuable.
“Green-Wood is one of the oldest and largest green spaces in the city and plays a pivotal role in supporting a sustainable environment,” Davidson said. “We are confident that under Meera’s leadership, our commitment to preserving our urban green space will grow even stronger.”
Joshi echoed that sentiment: “After two decades devoting my career to improving the lives of New Yorkers, I am thrilled to continue serving our city through the further growth of Green-Wood as a hub for climate resilience, culture, restoration, education, public space, and a final resting place.”
A Living Landscape with Deep Roots
Spanning 478 acres, Green-Wood is a registered arboretum that plays a vital environmental role in the city. It is home to thousands of trees and plants that sequester carbon monoxide, absorb stormwater, and support local wildlife.
In recent years, the cemetery has launched several sustainability initiatives, including the planting of native grasses, the creation of rain gardens, and expanded tree-planting efforts.
Honoring the Past, Planning for the Future
Joshi will officially step into her new role in July following the retirement of longtime president Richard J. Moylan, who has led the cemetery for nearly four decades. Under his leadership, Green-Wood became a National Historic Landmark, gained arboretum accreditation, expanded its public programming, and undertook major restoration projects.
“Through my 39 years at Green-Wood, I have been immensely proud to help this incredible place grow, thrive, and connect with new audiences,” Moylan said. “I could not be more confident in our staff and their unwavering passion for Green-Wood. I am proud and optimistic about this institution’s future under Meera’s skilled leadership.”
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