Mayor Mamdani Taps Shihata as NYC DOI Chief

Nadia Shihata, a former federal prosecutor, will lead the city's anti-corruption efforts as the new commissioner of the Department of Investigation.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the nomination of Nadia Shihata to serve as the commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI). Shihata, a former federal prosecutor, will be tasked with rooting out corruption, fraud, waste, and abuse across city government. Mamdani emphasized the importance of restoring public trust and fostering a culture of competence, transparency, and honesty in City Hall.

Why it matters

The DOI plays a vital role in ensuring integrity and accountability in New York City government. Shihata's appointment as the first woman of color to lead the agency represents a historic step towards addressing past corruption and rebuilding faith in local institutions.

The details

Shihata served as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York for over a decade, including as chief of the Organized Crime Section and deputy chief of the Public Integrity Section. She has also worked as a defense attorney and on civil rights cases, demonstrating a commitment to fairness and the rule of law. As DOI commissioner, Shihata will oversee investigations into any agency, officer, elected official, or employee of the city who does not fulfill the public trust, as well as those who do business with or receive benefits from the city.

  • Shihata was nominated by Mayor Mamdani on February 13, 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who nominated Nadia Shihata to lead the Department of Investigation.

Nadia Shihata

A former federal prosecutor who has been nominated to serve as the commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation.

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What they’re saying

“I am deeply honored and humbled by this nomination, and truly excited at the prospect of returning to public service, where I have spent most of my career, whether as a law clerk to a federal judge, a prosecutor at a U.N. war crimes tribunal, or until a few years ago as a federal prosecutor in Brooklyn.”

— Nadia Shihata, Nominee for Commissioner, Department of Investigation

“If confirmed by the City Council, I will lead DOI with independence, fairness, and transparency alongside the dedicated professionals at DOI who carry out this essential work every day.”

— Nadia Shihata, Nominee for Commissioner, Department of Investigation

What’s next

The City Council will need to confirm Nadia Shihata's nomination as the new commissioner of the Department of Investigation.

The takeaway

Shihata's appointment represents a significant step towards restoring public trust in New York City government by prioritizing integrity, accountability, and transparency in the city's anti-corruption efforts.