New York City Mayor Appoints 3 Agency Heads, But Plans Remain Unclear

Appointees to key city roles dodge specifics on their agendas and priorities.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:31pm

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced three new appointees to head key city agencies on Tuesday - Yume Kitasei as commissioner of the Department of City Administrative Services, Sharun Goodwin as commissioner of the Department of Probation, and Lisa Garcia as commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection. However, the new officials provided few details about their plans and priorities for their respective agencies when pressed by reporters.

Why it matters

The lack of specifics from the new appointees raises questions about the direction and focus of these important city agencies under the new administration. Transparency and clear communication of priorities are important for building public trust and accountability.

The details

At a City Hall press conference, Mayor Mamdani praised the new appointees for their commitment to public service, but the officials themselves were evasive when asked about their agendas. Kitasei, who previously served under former mayors, said she needed time to "settle in" before outlining her plans to investigate shady city lease contracts. Garcia, who worked at the EPA under President Biden, said she also needed a few days to "get up to speed" but noted she would move forward with existing capital projects. Goodwin, a long-time probation department employee, said she would "look into" reports of nepotism under the previous administration, but wanted an opportunity to "assess and evaluate" the department first.

  • The press conference announcing the new appointees took place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who announced the three new appointees.

Yume Kitasei

The new commissioner of the Department of City Administrative Services.

Sharun Goodwin

The new commissioner of the Department of Probation.

Lisa Garcia

The new commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection.

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What they’re saying

“Each of these New Yorkers shares a common commitment to service, a desire to place this city and its needs before their own.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (New York Post)

“I will demand the world of the new commissioner, I will also give her a little bit of time in settling in with some of the questions.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (New York Post)

“We're going to do a deep review of everything.”

— Yume Kitasei, Commissioner, Department of City Administrative Services (New York Post)

“I look forward to also taking a few days to getting up to speed, but I believe some of the capital projects that have been invested in we will go forward with those.”

— Lisa Garcia, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection (New York Post)

“When I get in the position, I will look into what I hear. But I'm not certain that what is reported is what it is. Give me an opportunity to assess and evaluate what needs to be done.”

— Sharun Goodwin, Commissioner, Department of Probation (New York Post)

The takeaway

The lack of specifics from the new agency heads raises concerns about transparency and accountability under the new administration. While the appointees may need time to settle into their roles, clear communication of priorities and plans is crucial for building public trust in city government.