Mayor Mamdani Names Farrell NYC Emergency Chief

Veteran emergency management leader to head New York City Emergency Management agency

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the appointment of Christina Farrell as commissioner of the New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) agency, which is responsible for coordinating citywide emergency planning, response and recovery efforts. Farrell, a 30-year public servant, has extensive experience leading the city through major crises including Hurricane Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why it matters

Effective emergency management is critical for a city like New York, which faces a range of potential disasters from extreme weather to public health emergencies. Farrell's appointment brings seasoned leadership to the agency tasked with protecting 8.5 million New Yorkers when crisis strikes.

The details

Farrell has served in various roles at NYCEM since joining the agency in 2003, most recently as first deputy commissioner. She has overseen the city's emergency preparedness, response and recovery efforts, working closely with city leadership and regional, state and federal partners. Farrell has led the city through major crises like the 2003 blackout, Hurricane Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Farrell has served as first deputy commissioner of NYCEM since October 2021.
  • Farrell joined NYCEM in 2003 as the agency's first director of grants.

The players

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who appointed Christina Farrell as commissioner of NYCEM.

Christina Farrell

The newly appointed commissioner of the New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) agency, a 30-year public servant with extensive experience leading the city through major crises.

Julia Kerson

The deputy mayor for operations in New York City.

Jessica S. Tisch

The commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD).

Lillian Bonsignore

The commissioner of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).

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What they’re saying

“New York City faces extraordinary challenges, and meeting them demands steady, experienced leadership. There is no one better prepared to lead NYCEM than Christina Farrell. Over three decades in public service-and in recent years as First Deputy Commissioner-she has helped guide our city through crisis after crisis with clarity and resolve. I'm proud to work alongside Commissioner Farrell to strengthen our preparedness and protect every New Yorker.”

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

“I'm honored to be appointed Commissioner of NYCEM, an agency that protects 8.5 million New Yorkers when they need us most, and to continue serving alongside the dedicated professionals who do this work every day. I'm grateful to Mayor Zohran Mamdani for the opportunity to lead this exceptional team into a new era for our city. The Mayor's vision is to deepen what New Yorkers expect from government and deliver with excellence, accountability, and integrity. For emergency management, that means ensuring preparedness reaches every neighborhood, that our response is coordinated and effective, and that New Yorkers can trust we'll be there when crisis strikes. Together with our partners across government and the community, we'll build the resilient, prepared city that New Yorkers deserve.”

— Christina Farrell, Commissioner, New York City Emergency Management (Mirage News)

“Commissioner Farrell's three decades of experience, including 23 years at NYCEM, equip her with the knowledge and vision to guide New York City through any emergency. After helping lead New York through a number of crises, we know Commissioner Farrell will bring a multidimensional approach to emergency preparedness and responsiveness, and I look forward to continuing our work with her to protect the millions of people who call our city home.”

— Julia Kerson, Deputy Mayor for Operations (Mirage News)

“For more than two decades, Christina Farrell has guided New York City through countless emergencies with clear, decisive leadership. From Hurricane Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic to extreme heat emergencies and major blackouts, she has managed complex crises with a steady hand and ensured our communities have the resources they need. New Yorkers are lucky to have her at the helm of NYCEM, and I look forward to continuing our important work together.”

— Jessica S. Tisch, NYPD Commissioner (Mirage News)

“For more than three decades, Christina Farrell has been a steady hand and calming presence during our City's most challenging days. I am so excited that she's taking the well-deserved reins as head of NYCEM, and look forward to continued partnership in the days ahead.”

— Lillian Bonsignore, FDNY Commissioner (Mirage News)

The takeaway

Christina Farrell's appointment as commissioner of the New York City Emergency Management agency brings seasoned leadership and deep institutional knowledge to an agency that plays a critical role in protecting the city and its 8.5 million residents from a range of potential disasters. Her experience guiding the city through major crises positions her well to lead NYCEM into the future and ensure New Yorkers can trust the agency will be there when emergencies strike.