Mayor Mamdani Nominates Nadia Shihata as NYC DOI Commissioner

Shihata, a former federal prosecutor, tapped to lead city's independent oversight agency

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani has nominated Nadia Shihata, a former federal prosecutor, to serve as the new Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI). The DOI is the city's independent oversight agency responsible for investigating corruption, waste, fraud and abuse in city government.

Why it matters

The appointment of Shihata signals the Mamdani administration's commitment to restoring public trust in city government after years of scandal. As a seasoned prosecutor, Shihata has a track record of taking on the powerful and rooting out corruption, which will be crucial in her new role overseeing the DOI's efforts to promote transparency and accountability across city agencies.

The details

Shihata served over 11 years as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, where she led complex racketeering, violent crime, and public corruption cases. This includes overseeing the investigation and prosecution of R&B singer R. Kelly, as well as an investigation into sexual abuse of female inmates by federal correctional officers. Most recently, Shihata was a founding partner at a woman-owned law firm in New York City focused on civil rights and sexual misconduct matters.

  • On February 13, 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Shihata's nomination as DOI Commissioner.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current Mayor of New York City, who nominated Nadia Shihata to serve as DOI Commissioner.

Nadia Shihata

A former federal prosecutor nominated by Mayor Mamdani to serve as the new Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation.

R. Kelly

An R&B musician who was convicted in federal court in Brooklyn of racketeering and related offenses and sentenced to 30 years in prison, in a case led by Nadia Shihata.

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What they’re saying

“For years, scandal in City Hall chipped away at New Yorkers' trust in government. Our administration is turning the page on the politics of corruption, demonstrating what a transparent and focused government can deliver for New Yorkers.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (Mirage News)

“I am deeply honored by this nomination and excited at the prospect of returning to public service in the city I love and call home. The Department of Investigation plays a vital role in rooting out and preventing corruption and waste in city government, helping to ensure that city agencies operate with integrity, accountability, and fairness for all New Yorkers - no matter their background, economic status, or proximity to power.”

— Nadia Shihata (Mirage News)

What’s next

The New York City Council must confirm Nadia Shihata's nomination as DOI Commissioner before she can officially take on the role.

The takeaway

Shihata's appointment as DOI Commissioner signals the Mamdani administration's commitment to restoring public trust in city government through strong, independent oversight and accountability. Her background as a federal prosecutor who has taken on high-profile corruption cases makes her well-suited to lead the DOI's efforts to root out waste, fraud and abuse in New York City agencies.