People on the Move - Page 22

Louisiana – Ronald J. Wendel Jr. has been appointed acting president and CEO of Port NOLA and acting CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad. Wendel currently serves as the port’s executive vice president and chief financial officer. He will replace Brandy Christian in

New York – The city of Rochester has named Harriet T. Fisher chief technology officer for the city’s Department of Information Technology. Fisher previously served as director of the Project Management Office. She has worked with the city in various roles since 1998. 

California – Amy Cunningham was appointed city manager of Novato on May 14. Cunningham has been working as interim city manager since December 2023. The city originally hired her as finance director in August 2020. She officially began her role May 15. 

New Jersey – The township of Nutley swore John V. Kelly III into the mayor’s office May 21. Kelley is the youngest to ever serve in the role. He was first elected to the Nutley Board of Commissioners in May 2020 when he took over

Florida – Mark Burns will be the next executive director of the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District. Burns previously served as a lease manager for Miami. 

Agency regulates state’s electric telecommunication and water and sewer utilities

Kansas – Robert Perez, Ph.D., has been chosen as Topeka’s city manager. Dr. Perez previously served as assistant city manager in Dallas. He brings more than two decades of municipal government experience to the role. He will replace Stephen Wade. 

New York – The New York State Senate appointed DaMia Harris-Madden, Ed.D., commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Dr. Harris-Madden has served as executive director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau since 2018. She brings 20 years of

Texas – The University of Texas at San Antonio has named Heather Shipley, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Shipley holds a nearly 17-year career with the university, starting as an assistant professor. She most recently served as interim provost.