New York Mayor Bill de Blasio is bringing back a colleague from his days in the Dinkins administration to serve as his newest deputy mayor.

De Blasio appointed J. Phillip Thompson as the new Deputy Mayor of Strategic Policy Initiatives on Thursday, replacing Richard Buery, who had already announced plans to step down from the post last year.

Back in the early '90s, Thompson oversaw the Office of Housing Coordination for Mayor David Dinkins, where he worked with both the mayor and future First Lady Chirlane McCray.

De Blasio said he remembers the qualities Thompson brought to public service, like the ability to work effectively with a variety of people and the optimism he maintained in the face of challenges.

“No matter what was thrown at him and no matter what was thrown at the whole team,” said de Blasio, adding, “and he hasn't changed.”

Thompson will officially take office next month. His portfolio will include work to expand early education for the city’s three-year-olds, support of the city's mental health initiatives and advocating for minority- and women-owned businesses, among other things.

Thompson is currently a professor of urban policy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Before that, he also worked at Columbia University and Barnard College.

He said he's excited to join an administration that shares his own values. “A progressive government that puts people first, economic and environmental sustainability, equity and fairness,” said Thompson.