Friday, February 28, 2025

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES KEY MUSLIM APPOINTMENTS

 

Mohamed Amen Appointed Muslim Senior Advisor 

Mahedi Hasan Appointed Muslim Liaison

Famod Konneh Promoted to Deputy Commissioner/Ethnic Outreach

Atia Shahnaz to Continue Serving as Muslim Women Liaison

New Appointments and Promotions Further Strengthen Mayor Adams’ Commitment to the Muslim Community

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced new appointments within the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU), elevating current members of the City Hall team as well as bringing in new talent to further strengthen the administration’s engagement with the Muslim community. New York City Police Department (NYPD) Detective Mohamed Amen has been appointed Muslim senior advisor, Mahedi Hasan has been appointed Muslim liaison, Famod Konneh has been elevated to deputy commissioner/ethnic outreach, and Atia Shahnaz will continue to serve in her role as Muslim women liaison.

“These vital roles in our city government will be well served by the dedication and experience of our current and new appointees. I have always said that our government must reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, and that’s exactly what these key appointments and promotions in will do for the Muslim community,” said Mayor Adams. “New York City’s strength lies in our communities, and the individuals we’re announcing today will well represent our Muslim brothers and sisters across New York City, as well as all New Yorkers. Their work will support our focus on making our city safer, more affordable, and the best place to raise a family.”

“I am proud of the four exceptional individuals dedicated to enhancing our engagement with New York City's Muslim community,” said CAU Commissioner Fred Kreizman. “Their insights and leadership will strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every New Yorker feels valued and heard.”

“New York City’s greatest strength is its incredible diversity, and our government must reflect that diversity to serve all communities effectively. With one in nine New Yorkers identifying as Muslim, it is essential to have Muslim voices represented in city leadership. As a proud Muslim and immigrant from Egypt, I am honored to serve as the Muslim senior advisor in the Mayor’s Office Community Affairs Unit,” said Muslim Senior Advisor Detective Amen. “This appointment reflects Mayor Adams’ and Commissioner Kreizman’s commitment to building an administration that truly represents the rich tapestry of our city. I am deeply grateful for their trust and leadership, and I remain dedicated to serving all New Yorkers and our diverse communities.”

“New York City is often referred to as a microcosm of the world, offering a glimpse of global diversity all within one vibrant city. As one of the most diverse communities in the world, it’s essential that our government reflects this richness to effectively meet the needs of all New Yorkers,” said Muslim Liaison Hasan. “As a Muslim Bangladeshi American, I am proud to serve as the Muslim liaison within the Mayor’s Office Community Affairs Unit under the leadership of Commissioner Kreizman. The Adams administration is deeply committed to fostering representation for our city’s diverse communities, and I am truly honored to contribute to this important work. Together, we are building a more inclusive and equitable future for New York City.”

“New York City is the most diverse city in the world. To communicate and best meet the needs of our diverse communities, we must have diverse representation in government,” said Deputy Commissioner Konneh. “As an African Muslim, serving as deputy commissioner at the Mayor’s Office Community Affairs Unit is a testament to the Adams’ administration commitment to making this administration reflective of the city it serves. I am grateful for Commissioner Kreizman's trust and leadership, and I thank Mayor Adams for allowing me to serve New York City and the entire ethnic community.” 

“As a proud Muslim Pakistani woman serving as the Muslim women liaison within the Mayor’s Office Community Affairs Unit, I am dedicated to empowering my community, fostering inclusion, and amplifying the voices of Muslim women,” said Muslim Women Liaison Shahnaz. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Adams and Commissioner Kreizman for entrusting me with this opportunity to serve and make a meaningful impact. My work is a testament to the strength, resilience, and leadership of Muslim women in shaping a more inclusive and just society.”

Biographies and details about appointments are included below:  

About NYPD Detective Mohamed Amen

A highly respected NYPD officer with 18 years of distinguished service, Detective Mohamed Amen has been a driving force in strengthening relationships between law enforcement and diverse communities. His expertise in cultural engagement and interfaith relations has been instrumental in promoting trust, open dialogue, and equitable policies that benefit all residents. Detective Amen has a Juris Doctorate from Cairo University Law School, a fellowship at the Interfaith Center of New York, and completed leadership training at John Jay College

Amen will report to Commissioner Kreizman.

About Famod Konneh

Famod Konneh is an experienced and dedicated public servant who brings over a decade of city government experience to the Mayor’s Office. In 2024, Konneh joined CAU as associate commissioner, having previously served as associate director of outreach in the Mayor's Office of Ethnic and Community Media, leading and coordinating City Hall’s communication strategy for local ethnic and community media. He also served in different capacities in the previous administration as director of community partnership at NYC Health + Hospital Test/Trace Corps, as deputy director of strategic partnerships at NYC Census 2020, and as Bronx borough director/African liaison at CAU. Konneh is also responsible for the office's outreach to the city's African community. Konneh graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Liberia and a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College.   

Konneh will report to Commissioner Kreizman.

About Mahedi Hasan

Mahedi Hasan is an experienced professional in community outreach, business engagement, and public service. In his previous role as assistant director of community outreach at the New York City Department of Small Business Services, Hasan spearheaded initiatives that strengthened small businesses and fostered key partnerships across the city. Previously, as senior community liaison and business outreach specialist, he successfully connected thousands of New Yorkers to vital resources. His leadership also extends to public health, having managed large-scale school meal programs as a school food service manager for the New York City Department of Education. Hasan holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from City University of New York, York College.

Hasan will report to Deputy Commissioner Konneh.

About Atia Shahnaz

Atia Shahnaz is a dedicated Muslim women liaison in CAU, advocating for the rights and representation of Muslim women and diverse communities. A passionate community activist for over 15 years, she has led a nonprofit women’s organization focused on empowerment, support, and social justice. Before joining City Hall, she worked as a health care manager. Her unique blend of scientific expertise, grassroots activism, and public service enables her to drive meaningful change and uplift underrepresented communities in New York City. By profession, Shahnaz is an organic chemist. She has a master’s degree in organic chemistry and is a PhD scholar who completed her thesis on the isolation of organic compounds at Arizona University.

Shahnaz will report to Deputy Commissioner Konneh.

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