Leaders - Page 32

Alabama – The University of Alabama has named Allen Parrish executive director of the Alabama Cyber Institute. Parrish has been serving as the vice president for research and economic development since 2023. Previously, he was an associate vice president for research at Mississippi State University and

Virginia – The town of Amherst promoted Treasurer and Office Manager Tracie Morgan to deputy town manager March 22. She has served Amherst since 2016. She previously worked as the finance director for Cumberland County, Virginia, and assistant director of accounting for Amherst County, Virginia. 

California – The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (L.A. Metro) has appointed Ray Sosa chief planning officer. He previously served as deputy chief of planning. He returned to L.A. Metro in 2022 after serving in the private sector for 10 years. 

California – The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (L.A. Metro) has appointed Ilyssa DeCasperis chief people officer. DeCasperis brings more than 35 years of legal experience and 24 years in human resources management to L.A. Metro. She most recently served as chief people officer

California – The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (L.A. Metro) has appointed Darcy Buryniuk chief program management officer. Buryniuk brings more than 35 years of experience leading global design and transit projects, including the Tapipei Metro Orange and Blue lines, the North-South railway project

Nebraska – Troy Dannen has been selected as the University of Nebraska’s director of athletics. Dannen currently serves as director of athletics at the University of Washington. Previously, he was athletics director at Tulane and the University of Northern Iowa. He will replace Trev Alberts. 

Washington – The Kennewick City Council unanimously voted for Erin Erdman as city manager. Erdman is currently the city manager for the city of Battle Ground in the Vancouver metro area. She will begin her new role within 45 days.  

Texas – Thomas Jones Jr. will serve a two-year term as a port commissioner of the Port of Houston Authority. Jones has served as chairman, president and director on many community boards. Jones began his tenure March 22. 

California – The Los Angeles City Council appointed Richard Katz to the Board of Water and Power Commissioners. Katz has led a 44-year career of public service, including 16 years in the State Assembly. He served as a member of the California State Water Resources Control