| Joann Ariola | |
| Office: | Member of the New York City Council from the 32nd district |
| Term Start: | January 1, 2022 |
| Predecessor: | Eric Ulrich |
| Birth Date: | 14 June 1958 |
| Birth Place: | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Party: | Republican |
| Education: | Adelphi Business School |
Joann Ariola (born June 14, 1958) is a councilwoman of the New York City Council, representing District 32 which includes Glendale,, Woodhaven, Ozone Park, Howard Beach, Broad Channel, and the western half of the Rockaway Peninsula. She previously served as the chairwoman of the Queens Republican Party.
Ariola is a lifelong resident of the 32nd Council District. Born on June 14, 1958, Joann is the eldest child of a prominent Ozone Park family. During her childhood, the family - including her younger sister and brother - relocated to a new home in Howard Beach. She attended P.S. 63 (Old South), P.S. 207 (Rockwood Park), Our Lady of Grace Catholic School, Stella Maris High School on the Rockaway Peninsula and Adelphi Business School.
Ariola entered into the political arena in 1993 as chief of staff for New York City Councilmember Alfonso C. Stabile. In 1996, Ariola unsuccessfully ran against Audrey Pheffer for a seat in the New York State Assembly.
Later, Ariola served as communications director for Councilmember Noach Dear, before unsuccessfully running against Joseph Addabbo Jr. in 2001 for the City Council seat left vacant by Stabile.
Following the unsuccessful 2001 race, Ariola worked under the Bloomberg administration as an Assistant Commissioner with the Community Assistance Unit until 2006, when she entered into the private sector as Director of Intergovernmental Relations for Medisys.
In 2020, Ariola ran for Queens Borough President against Donovan Richards.
Ariola was elected to the NYC City Council in 2021 over Democrat Felicia Singh. Despite many predicting a close race,[1] she handily defeated Singh 67%-32%.[2] [3]