New York City Hires Its First-Ever ‘Rat Czar’

Look out New York City rodents – there’s a “rat czar” in town.

Kathleen Corradi has been named to the post – officially designated as director of rodent mitigation. She beat out over 900 others who had applied, according to the New York Post.

“There’s a new sheriff in town,” she said Wednesday. “And with your help, we’ll send those rats packing. You’ll be seeing a lot more of me — and a lot less rats.”

Corradi will be paid $155,000 a year to try to reduce the number of rodents scurrying around the city.

The Hill noted she is a former teacher, who also had previously worked at the Department of Education on efforts to reduce rodents. While at the agency, she was focused on cutting off water and shelter supplies for rodents.

“During those years, I spent a lot of time looking for signs of rats and working to end the conditions that allow them to thrive. Due to those efforts, nearly 70% of schools with persistent rat issues reached their compliance goals,” Corradi said.

Commenting on her appointment, Mayor Eric Adams said: “New York City has done a lot recently when it comes to fighting public enemy number one: rats. But it was clear we needed someone solely focused on leading our rat reduction efforts across all five boroughs.”

The city had some fun with posting for the job back in December.

“Do you have what it takes to do the impossible?” the post read. “A virulent vehemence for vermin? A background in urban planning, project management, or government? And most importantly, the drive, determination and killer instinct needed to fight the real enemy — New York City’s relentless rat population? If so, your dream job awaits: New York’s Citywide Director of Rodent Mitigation.”