Patricia Kaufman named commissioner of NYC's Mayor's Office of Media and Ent.

Patricia Swinney Kaufman, former head of film and television development for New York State, has been named Commissioner of NYC’s Mayor’s Office Of Media and Entertainment (MOME).

At present, Kaufman serves as first deputy commissioner at MOME, overseeing strategies and support for theatre, music, advertising, publishing, and digital media.

She succeeds Anne del Castillo, who departs MOME for a new role as senior advisor at major arts funder, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Kaufman served for 19 years as executive director of the New York State Governor’s Office for Motion Picture and Television Development, and as deputy commissioner of Empire State Development, helping craft and lead legislation that created the state’s film production tax credit. She also worked to create the standalone post-production tax credit and commercial production incentive programs.

Kaufman was also president of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) from 2003-2007. She sits on the board of the Hamptons International Film Festival and the New York Production Alliance. 

In her new post, she reports to deputy mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce, Maria Torres-Springer.

“I am extremely grateful to Mayor Adams for trusting me with this enormous responsibility. It’s an honor and a privilege to serve the mayor, New Yorkers, and the creative community,” said Kaufman in a statement.

“I look forward to continuing the agency’s work of supporting, strengthening, and diversifying New York’s media and entertainment industries, which are integral to the city’s culture and economy. Collaborating with our industry partners and communities will be a core vision of this agency, and together, we expect great opportunities for New York and New Yorkers.”