New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Friday announced the appointment of Tricia Shimamura as the new Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, elevating a seasoned public servant with deep experience in infrastructure, crisis management, and community engagement.

Shimamura, who has served as Manhattan Borough Commissioner for NYC Parks since March 2024, brings more than a decade of experience working across city, state, and federal agencies. Her appointment comes as the Parks Department oversees more than 30,000 acres of public land—nearly 14 percent of the city—serving millions of New Yorkers daily.

During her tenure as Manhattan Borough Commissioner, Shimamura expanded community outreach, led the agency’s on-the-ground response to the Inwood Hill Park fires in the fall of 2024, and oversaw the reopening of Phase 1 of East River Park. She also guided strategic planning for major waterfront resiliency projects, reflecting her long-standing focus on climate resilience and public infrastructure.

Mayor Mamdani praised Shimamura’s record of service, describing city parks as essential public spaces that should be accessible and enjoyable for all New Yorkers. He said her leadership will help ensure that public spaces reflect the city’s commitment to working families. “Under the leadership of Tricia Shimamura, our Parks Department will strive to make this a city that every New Yorker can afford to not just live in, but enjoy,” the mayor said.

Shimamura said she was honored to join the Mamdani administration, noting that her career has been shaped by a desire to build a city that truly serves working people. “As Parks Commissioner, I will ensure our parks are not only free, but welcoming, vibrant spaces that every New Yorker can be proud of,” she said.

Before joining NYC Parks, Shimamura served as Director of Government Relations at Columbia University, where she led a large-scale vote-by-mail initiative for more than 20,000 students during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also worked with FEMA and local partners to support Manhattan’s East Side recovery following Superstorm Sandy. Earlier in her career, she served as Deputy Chief of Staff to former Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, helping advance major infrastructure projects including the East River Esplanade and Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway.

Shimamura also previously worked in the Office of Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, overseeing community affairs and strengthening ties with Manhattan’s 12 community boards. Her initiatives included launching the Borough President’s Volunteer Corps and a leadership training series focused on civic engagement.

A trained social worker, Shimamura holds a master’s degree from New York University and a bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College. She lives on Manhattan’s Upper East Side with her husband and two sons and remains active in advocacy for women in leadership through her service on the board of the Vote Mama Foundation.

Her appointment signals Mayor Mamdani’s continued emphasis on equity, resilience, and community-centered governance as his administration reshapes city leadership.