Shanifah Rieara joined the MTA in 2021 as Senior Advisor for Communications and Policy. She is responsible for providing support and strategic advice to the Chairperson on state and local affairs. She is also serving as the Chief Customer Officer.
Prior to joining the MTA, Ms. Rieara served as Deputy Comptroller for Public Affairs at the NYC Comptroller's Office. In this role, she led the Public Affairs Bureau responsible for advocacy, government relations, community engagement, constituent services, public programs and executive office operations. She coordinated the agency’s senior staff and managed cross-bureau teams on reform and accountability initiatives and citywide public engagement efforts to shape the office’s services. She also oversaw strategic engagement with the interfaith communities and New York City’s growing constituencies.