At just 22 years old, Intashan Chowdhury is managing more than most his age ever imagine—an entire borough and a $6.5 million budget.
Now the acting Borough Administrator of Prospect Park, New Jersey, Chowdhury is not only one of the youngest to hold this role in state history but also the first of Bengali descent. A graduate of Rutgers-Newark with a bachelor’s in public administration and a master’s on the way, he already has a résumé boasting internships with top officials including Senator Cory Booker.
Having stepped in after his predecessor became Passaic County Clerk, Chowdhury currently earns $14.28 an hour but is on track to be officially appointed at a $45,000 annual salary in January. Overseeing 26 staff members, he’s deeply invested in the town’s future, aiming to improve resident communication through systems like emergency alerts via email and phone.
Mentored by Mayor Mohamed Khairullah—who once taught him high school financial literacy—Chowdhury sees their working relationship as a quarterback-coach dynamic. Despite his youth, he’s committed to making a long-term impact in a role where he says few young professionals stick around.
