New York City Comptroller Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

New York City Comptroller has 8 executives leading key functions including fiscal oversight, administrative operations, and technology infrastructure.

Committed to fiscal integrity and municipal transparency, New York City Comptroller drives the safeguarding of city assets while rooting out waste and ensuring agencies serve all residents effectively.

Leadership Roles at New York City Comptroller

  • Chief of Staff - Keith Schwam
  • Chief of Staff & Chief Information Officer, Office of - Kate Visconti
  • Deputy Chief Technology Officer - Priyanka Thomas
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Security Officer - Joseth Ishman
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Operations - Ioannis Samonas
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Lily Zhou
  • Head Deputy Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure Investments - Petya Nikolova
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Sandra Abeles
  • Keith Schwam - Chief of Staff

    Keith Schwam, the Chief of Staff at New York City Comptroller, directs daily operations and coordinates strategic initiatives across municipal departments. Managing high-level communications, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment between executive priorities and agency-wide fiscal goals. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to eliminate waste and improve service delivery for all New Yorkers. By overseeing cross-functional teams, Keith Schwam facilitates the implementation of policies designed to protect the city's financial health. The Chief of Staff maintains rigorous standards for accountability, ensuring that municipal agencies operate with maximum efficiency. Through constant collaboration with other senior leaders, Schwam addresses complex administrative challenges while maintaining a focus on long-term fiscal stability. This position requires precise management of organizational resources to support the broader mission of the office, ultimately securing the economic interests of the city through disciplined oversight and proactive governance.

    Kate Visconti - Chief of Staff & Chief Information Officer, Office of

    Kate Visconti, the Chief of Staff & Chief Information Officer, Office of at New York City Comptroller, architects the digital strategy and administrative framework for the entire organization. Managing the intersection of technology and policy, the Chief of Staff & Chief Information Officer, Office of ensures that data systems support the core mission of fiscal oversight. This role involves modernizing IT infrastructure to enhance transparency and accessibility for the public. By integrating advanced analytical tools, Kate Visconti drives the identification of fraud and abuse within municipal spending. The Chief of Staff & Chief Information Officer, Office of coordinates with technical teams to secure sensitive financial data while optimizing operational workflows. Visconti maintains a focus on digital transformation, ensuring that the office remains at the forefront of government efficiency. Through strategic planning and resource allocation, the Chief of Staff & Chief Information Officer, Office of strengthens the technological foundation necessary for robust municipal governance.

    Priyanka Thomas - Deputy Chief Technology Officer

    Priyanka Thomas, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer at New York City Comptroller, engineers scalable software solutions to support the agency's fiscal monitoring capabilities. Overseeing the development of internal applications, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer ensures that municipal data remains accurate and actionable for auditors. This leadership role involves implementing cloud-based systems that improve the speed and reliability of financial reporting. By managing technical projects, Priyanka Thomas drives the modernization of legacy platforms, reducing operational friction across the office. The Deputy Chief Technology Officer collaborates with various departments to automate manual processes, thereby increasing the capacity for detecting waste and mismanagement. Thomas maintains a focus on system security and performance, ensuring that all digital tools meet the rigorous demands of city government. Through continuous innovation, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer supports the broader objective of maintaining fiscal health and accountability for the entire city population.

    Joseth Ishman - Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Security Officer

    Joseth Ishman, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Security Officer at New York City Comptroller, protects the integrity of the city's financial data through advanced cybersecurity protocols. Managing the defense of critical infrastructure, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Security Officer ensures that all digital assets remain shielded from unauthorized access. This role involves establishing comprehensive security policies that govern how municipal agencies handle sensitive information. By conducting regular risk assessments, Joseth Ishman drives the mitigation of potential threats to the city's fiscal systems. The Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Security Officer coordinates with technical teams to maintain compliance with government standards, ensuring that data privacy remains a top priority. Ishman oversees the implementation of robust encryption and monitoring tools, providing a secure environment for financial analysis. Through vigilant oversight, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Security Officer safeguards the public trust and the financial stability of the city.

    Ioannis Samonas - Deputy Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Operations

    Ioannis Samonas, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Operations at New York City Comptroller, manages the daily maintenance and reliability of the agency's hardware and network systems. Overseeing the technical support teams, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Operations ensures that all staff members possess the tools required for effective fiscal oversight. This role involves optimizing server performance and network connectivity to support high-volume data processing. By directing infrastructure upgrades, Ioannis Samonas drives the efficiency of internal operations, ensuring that critical financial systems remain operational at all times. The Deputy Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Operations coordinates with external vendors to manage service level agreements and hardware procurement. Samonas maintains a focus on system uptime and disaster recovery, providing a stable environment for the office's essential functions. Through disciplined management of IT resources, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Operations supports the agency's mission to root out waste and improve municipal performance.

    Lily Zhou - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Lily Zhou, the Deputy Chief of Staff at New York City Comptroller, facilitates the execution of administrative priorities and manages inter-agency relationships. Overseeing the coordination of special projects, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that the office's strategic goals align with the needs of municipal stakeholders. This role involves managing complex schedules and communications to ensure that leadership remains focused on critical fiscal issues. By streamlining internal workflows, Lily Zhou drives the productivity of the executive team, allowing for more effective oversight of city agencies. The Deputy Chief of Staff monitors the progress of key initiatives, providing regular updates to senior management to ensure accountability. Zhou maintains a focus on organizational culture and staff engagement, fostering an environment of excellence and dedication. Through careful planning and execution, the Deputy Chief of Staff supports the broader mission of the office, ensuring that municipal resources are managed with the highest level of integrity and care.

    Petya Nikolova - Head Deputy Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure Investments

    Petya Nikolova, the Head Deputy Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure Investments at New York City Comptroller, directs the technological strategy for monitoring and evaluating large-scale capital projects. Overseeing the data systems that track infrastructure spending, the Head Deputy Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure Investments ensures that every dollar allocated to city construction is accounted for with precision. This role involves developing analytical models to assess the performance and cost-effectiveness of major public works. By managing the integration of project management software, Petya Nikolova drives the transparency of municipal investments, helping to identify potential cost overruns or inefficiencies. The Head Deputy Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure Investments collaborates with financial analysts to provide data-driven insights into the city's long-term capital needs. Nikolova maintains a focus on accuracy and reporting, ensuring that the office provides clear oversight of the city's physical development. Through technical leadership, the Head Deputy Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure Investments supports the responsible management of the city's infrastructure budget.

    Sandra Abeles - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Sandra Abeles, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at New York City Comptroller, manages the internal business functions and human capital strategies that support the agency's mission. Overseeing procurement, facilities, and personnel management, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) ensures that the office operates with maximum efficiency. This role involves developing policies that promote a productive work environment while maintaining strict adherence to budgetary constraints. By optimizing administrative processes, Sandra Abeles drives the reduction of overhead costs, allowing more resources to be directed toward fiscal oversight and public service. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) coordinates with department heads to align staffing levels with operational requirements, ensuring that the office remains well-equipped to handle its responsibilities. Abeles maintains a focus on organizational development and compliance, providing the structural support necessary for the agency to function effectively. Through disciplined management, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) ensures that the office remains a reliable steward of the city's resources.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding New York City Comptroller Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads New York City Comptroller?
    New York City Comptroller is led by Keith Schwam (Chief of Staff), along with executives such as Kate Visconti (Chief of Staff & Chief Information Officer, Office of) and Priyanka Thomas (Deputy Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of New York City Comptroller’s executive team?
    The executive team of New York City Comptroller includes leaders such as Keith Schwam (Chief of Staff), Kate Visconti (Chief of Staff & Chief Information Officer, Office of), Priyanka Thomas (Deputy Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does New York City Comptroller have?
    New York City Comptroller has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in New York City Comptroller’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of New York City Comptroller includes roles such as Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff & Chief Information Officer, Office of, Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Security Officer, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Operations.