NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The Community Affairs Unit, which serves as a link between Mayor Eric Adams' office and New York City residents and neighborhoods, is seeking to strengthen its relationship with Muslim New Yorkers.
So on Thursday, new appointments were announced within the CAU, either promoting existing members within City Hall or bringing in others to "further strengthen Mayor Adams’ commitment to the Muslim community," his office said.
Adams announced the following:
-NYPD Detective Mohamed Amen appointed Muslim senior advisor
-Mahedi Hasan, formerly with the NYC Dept. of Small Business Services, appointed Muslim liaison
-Famod Konneh elevated to deputy commissioner/ethnic outreach
-Atia Shahnaz will continue to serve in her role as Muslim women liaison
"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," Adams said. "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."
Detective Amen said, "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 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 Shahnaz.
Below are bios of the four aforementioned individuals, as provided by Adams' office:
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 Fred Kreizman.
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.
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.
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.