Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a major reshuffle of leadership across New York City government, appointing new commissioners to the Office of Technology and Innovation, the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, the Department for the Aging, and nominating a former federal prosecutor to lead the Department of Investigation.
The appointments, announced at Brooklyn’s SAGE Center, a hub for LGBTQ+ seniors, reflect the administration’s dual focus on modernizing city services while prioritizing equity and protections for vulnerable populations.
Lisa Gelobter, a veteran technologist and entrepreneur, has been named Chief Technology Officer and Commissioner of the Office of Technology and Innovation. Gelobter, founder of tEQuitable and former Chief Digital Service Officer at the U.S. Department of Education, will oversee NYC’s technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data initiatives, emphasizing digital equity and public-interest technology.
Nisha Agarwal has been appointed Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. With a background in public interest law and leadership roles at city health and immigrant affairs offices, Agarwal will coordinate efforts to ensure accessibility across housing, transportation, health services, and civic participation. Advocates praised her lived experience and collaborative approach.
Dr. Lisa Scott-McKenzie will lead the Department for the Aging. With nearly 40 years at NYC Health + Hospitals and experience as Chief Operating Officer at H+H/Woodhull, she will focus on affordable housing, health care, and essential services for seniors, as well as addressing food insecurity and social isolation.
Finally, Mamdani nominated Nadia Shihata to head the Department of Investigation. Shihata, a former federal prosecutor, brings extensive experience prosecuting organized crime, civil rights violations, and high-profile cases, underscoring the city’s commitment to integrity, accountability, and fairness across municipal operations.
These appointments collectively signal Mamdani’s vision of a modern, inclusive, and accountable city government that leverages technology and expertise to serve all New Yorkers.
