Nithya Raman Names Chief Of Staff, Sherman Oaks Field Manager

SHERMAN OAKS, CA — Councilwoman Nithya Raman announced Monday that Najeeba Syeed will serve as her new chief of staff. Syeed had previously been a senior advisor, and will replace Meghan Choi and Jessica Salans who had shared the position until now.

“I am honored to accept the position of Chief of Staff in Councilember Nithya Raman’s office,”
Syeed said. “I am thankful for the leadership of Jessica Salans and Meghan Choi. I look forward
to working with Councilmember Nithya Raman and serving all of our constituents. As a mother,
Los Angeles resident, and peacebuilder, I care very much about this city. I am thrilled to have
the opportunity to serve in partnership with CD4 community members to build a bright collective
future.”

Syeed is currently an associate professor of Muslim and Interreligious Studies at Chicago Theological Seminary. She also directs the Center for Global Rebuilding, which focuses on peacebuilding efforts and multifaith reconciliation.

"Jess served as a cornerstone of our campaign and has been similarly integral to setting up our new council office -- and beyond that, she has become a dear friend," Raman said. "I am deeply thankful to her and Meghan Choi for stepping in to serve as a bridge during our very rapid transition to City Hall, which has allowed us to be deliberate in our search for the best possible person to lead our office. With her decades of experience in conflict resolution, civic engagement and building strong government-community partnerships, I am confident we have found that person in Najeeba Syeed."

Choi will serve as Raman's deputy chief of staff and director of organizing, while Salans will leave the office to spend more time with family.

“Our campaign for CD4 showed what is possible when Angelenos are actively engaged and
brought into the political process,” Salans said. “I am so grateful and proud to have been a part
of that movement beside Meghan and Nithya. I’m incredibly excited for the team that has
developed, with Nithya and Najeeba at the helm, who will usher in the progressive and tangible
change Angelenos so deeply deserve.”

Recently, Raman also announced her District Field Team, who will serve as a contact point between the councilwoman and her various communities.

"Each member of our team possesses the kindness and commitment necessary to serve CD4 residents and bring city government closer to you," Raman said. "Many of them have already gotten to work helping to do so over the past few weeks. I’m beyond excited to have them on the team."

Find the field managers and their contact information below.

-Sherman Oaks & Van Nuys: Alexandria Naseef (she/her)

-Bel Air-Beverly Crest, Toluca Lake, Hollywood Hills West (northern portion): Rachel Fox (she/her)

- Wilshire: Su In Lee (she/her)

- Silver Lake, Los Feliz: Sarah Tanberg (she/her)

- Central Hollywood, Mid-City West, Hollywood Hills West (southern portion): Tabitha Yelos (they/she)
City News Service contributed to this report.