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Swinney-Kaufman to Step Down as NYC MOME Commissioner

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. ufman-to-step-down-as-nyc-mome-commissioner.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, March 20th 2026 at 7:18 GMT by TheWrap
      Locale: UNITED STATES

New York, NY - March 20, 2026 - Pat Swinney-Kaufman, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), announced today that she will be stepping down from her position, effective April 1, 2026. Her departure marks the end of a five-year period of dedicated service to New York City's vibrant and economically significant media and entertainment industries.

The announcement comes amidst a period of personnel changes within the Adams administration, signaling a potential recalibration of priorities as the Mayor enters the second half of his term. Fabien Levy, currently Deputy Mayor for Communications, will assume the role of acting commissioner while a permanent replacement is sought.

Swinney-Kaufman's leadership at MOME has been characterized by a staunch commitment to fostering a thriving creative ecosystem within the five boroughs. During her tenure, she's been a relentless advocate for policies designed to maintain New York City's position as a global leader in film, television, music, theater, and the rapidly evolving digital media landscape. This advocacy has extended beyond simply attracting large-scale productions; it's encompassed support for independent filmmakers, local artists, and the infrastructure necessary for a sustainable industry.

"It's been an honor to serve New York City and work alongside so many talented people in the creative industries," Swinney-Kaufman stated in an official release. "I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together, and I look forward to seeing the city continue to thrive as a center for media and entertainment."

A Period of Growth and Challenges

Swinney-Kaufman took the helm of MOME at a pivotal moment. While New York City has long been a magnet for creative talent, the rise of streaming services and tax incentives offered by other states and countries presented increasing challenges to maintaining the city's competitive edge. She focused heavily on streamlining the film permitting process, recognizing that bureaucratic hurdles could drive productions elsewhere. By reducing red tape and improving efficiency, MOME aimed to make New York a more attractive and user-friendly location for filming.

The office, under her direction, also actively promoted the city as a filming location through marketing initiatives and partnerships with industry organizations. This involved showcasing the diversity of New York's neighborhoods, its skilled workforce, and its unique aesthetic appeal. Beyond film and television, Swinney-Kaufman championed initiatives to support the city's thriving music scene, recognizing its vital contribution to the city's cultural identity and economic vitality.

Furthermore, recognizing the growing importance of digital media, MOME expanded its support for emerging technologies and innovation within the industry. This included initiatives aimed at fostering the growth of virtual and augmented reality content creation, as well as supporting the development of new media platforms.

The Adams Administration and Future Outlook The appointment of Fabien Levy as acting commissioner suggests the Adams administration will continue to prioritize communication and messaging surrounding the city's cultural offerings. Levy's background in communications will likely be instrumental in shaping the narrative around New York City's creative industries and attracting investment.

However, Swinney-Kaufman's departure comes at a time of significant change in the entertainment industry. The ongoing writers and actors' strikes of 2023 highlighted the vulnerabilities of the creative workforce and the need for sustainable business models. The future commissioner will undoubtedly face the challenge of navigating these complex issues while ensuring the long-term health of New York City's media and entertainment ecosystem. The city is also contending with increased competition from production hubs like Atlanta and London, which offer significant financial incentives.

The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment plays a critical role in facilitating film and television production by managing the permit process, providing location assistance, and coordinating with city agencies. It also supports a wide range of cultural events and festivals, contributing to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. The ongoing success of these efforts is crucial for maintaining New York City's status as a global center for creativity and innovation. The search for a permanent commissioner will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, who will be looking for a leader with a proven track record of advocacy and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the city's media and entertainment industries.