Four NYU Wagner Alumni Named 2025 Manhattan Power 100

Manhattan is arguably the hub of New York City, and four NYU Wagner alumni have been recognized among City & State’s 2025 Manhattan Power 100 for their places at the heart of it all.

50. Natalia Cineas (MS 2009) and Julian John (MPA 2002); Executives, NYC Health + Hospitals

As the chief nurse executive since 2019, Cineas has managed more than 9,600 nurses across 80 patient care locations. She has faced the challenge of recruiting and retaining nurses amidst shortages and burnout following the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Cineas is responsible for the city’s public hospitals’ compliance with the state’s safe staffing law.

Since stepping into the role of CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, John has overseen the completion of a new flood wall and stormwater detection system outside the East Harlem hospital, hired a new chief medical officer, and reinvigorated the Pride Health Center. 

75. Angela Pinsky (MUP 2005), Head of Community Engagement for New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, Amazon

Pinsky made the move to Amazon this spring to lead its community engagement efforts in the region, after five years in a government affairs role at Google, where she helped expand its Manhattan footprint and artificial intelligence policies. In addition, Pinsky is a board member for the Regional Plan Association, the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, and the Building Energy Exchange. 

98. James Mettham (MUP 2010), President, Flatiron NoMad Partnership

Since joining the Flatiron NoMad Partnership in 2019, Mettham has led the neighborhood’s resurgence after the COVID-19 pandemic, fostered growth through mixed-use projects, and helped welcome 70 new businesses to the area in 2024. Additionally, the Portal, a public technology art sculpture with a 24/7 live stream, brought tens of thousands of visitors to Flatiron South Plaza in less than a week.