Joceyln Strauber resigns as commissioner of NYC Department of Investigation

Josephine Stratman and Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News on Jan 8, 2026

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NEW YORK — Jocelyn Strauber is stepping down as commissioner of the city’s Department of Investigation after being told her status at the agency was uncertain, the New York Daily News has leaned.

Strauber decided to resign after the Mamdani administration had initiated a hiring process that included reviewing other candidates for the commissioner job, according to sources with knowledge of the matter.

The commissioner was concerned about how the independence of her role leading the watchdog agency could be impacted if she participated in the process of jockeying to be reappointed — an issue she hinted at in her note to staff.

“It has become clear to me that there is no prompt path forward to my remaining in this role permanently,” Strauber wrote in a memo to staff obtained by the Daily News. “In light of the nature of our work, and our critical independence, continuing in an interim role as the new Administration makes its determination is not feasible.”

Strauber’s resignation, which she tendered in a letter to the mayor on Wednesday and obtained by The News, will be effective Jan. 16.

“It has been a joy and an honor to lead this agency, to work with each of you, and to support the impactful investigations that you do,” she continued in her note to staff. “Your accomplishments over the past four years are extraordinary.”

Under Strauber’s leadership, the DOI’s investigation with the FBI of ex-Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign fundraising led to Adams’ federal corruption indictment. The agency, as of a December court filing, was still probing potential violations of ethics laws by Adams.

The agency’s investigations also led to charges for many in Adams’ inner circle, including top aide Ingrid Lewis-Martin, former Department of Buildings Commissioner Eric Ulrich and former State Sen. Jesse Hamilton.

“We thank Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber for her unwavering fight against corruption. We look forward to continuing that work with our Department of Investigation,” Dora Pekec, a spokesperson for Mamdani, said in a statement.

Strauber’s resignation was first reported by the news outlet The City.

She was appointed to the role by Adams at the start of his term. Chris Ryan, currently DOI deputy commissioner for strategic initiatives, will serve as acting commissioner until a new one is appointed.