Thirteen individuals—community experts from various backgrounds—have been named to Mayor-Elect Malik Evans’ senior management team.
With nearly two decades of experience in government affairs and public engagement, Tamara Mayberry, a Buffalo native, will serve as Evans’ chief of staff. Mayberry has worked for the House of Representatives, former U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, and as deputy director of government affairs for the city of Chicago, among other positions. Most recently, she was director of government relations for Empire State Development.
“Tammy (is) an all-star hitter when it comes to chief of staff,” Evans said in a news conference Friday. “Tammy Mayberry is a gem in the Rochester community, and we’re blessed to have her here.”
Rose Nichols, who has worked at the United Way of Greater Rochester in various roles and served as an administrative officer under two presidential administrations in the federal government, will take on the role of director of human resources. She currently is deputy director. No stranger to the communications scene and a longtime acquaintance of Evans, Barbara Pierce will be director of communications and special events. Pierce previously served as president of Tipping Point Communications, a strategic communications director at Kodak, and as managing partner and public relations director at Dixon Schwabl + Co.
Linda Kingsley will step into the role of corporation counsel, a position she previously held for 12 years. Kingsley, who has taught at Albany Law School, served as pro bono counsel to City Council for the past year. She served has served as corporation counsel for the city of Binghamton. On the public safety front, interim police chief David Smith will continue to serve in his role.
“When I called Dave, I’m glad he didn’t say, ‘You’re out of luck, I’m outta here,’” Evans said. “He agreed to serve as interim (police chief) until a permanent one can be named.”
The other appointments announced today are:
■ Chris Wagner, Director of the Office of Management and Budget
■ John Brach, Special Assistant to the Mayor
■ Victor Saunders, Mayor’s Advisor on Violence Prevention Programs
■ Josanne Reaves, Liaison to City Council
■ Richard Perrin, Commissioner of Department of Environmental Services
■ Shirley Green, Commissioner of Department of Recreation and Human Services
■ Felipe Hernandez, Fire Chief
■ Michael Cerreto, Director of Emergency Communications
The Evans team is expected to continue to announce appointments throughout the transition process.
“I want to thank all of these talented individuals for answering the call to serve our great community,” Evans said. “As I work to advance economic empowerment, build strong, engaged neighborhoods, strengthen our public safety, and invest in our youth, I will need strong leaders working by my side.”
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor.