Florida – Daniel Bean has been appointed to the St. Augustine Airport Authority. Bean is a U.S. Navy veteran with experience leading complex legal and operational work. He serves as counsel for an international litigation practice and is the Chair of the Board of Trustees for a non-profit organization. Bean will help guide airport authority decision-making, including oversight that supports safe, reliable operations and long-range planning for the community’s aviation needs.
Nevada – Britta Appel has been appointed director of the Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT). She joined the office at its creation in 2015 as Nevada’s first broadband manager. Appel brings extensive experience in statewide broadband planning, policy development and compliance. In the new role, Appel will lead OSIT’s work to expand statewide connectivity.
Maryland – Kathryn B. “Katie” Thomson has been appointed acting secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), effective Jan. 7. Thomson most recently served as Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. In her new role, Thomson will lead MDOT as it advances modernization, resilience and reliability across the state’s transportation network.
Ohio – Andrea Yang has been named executive director of Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW), effective Jan. 4. Yang has served as the utility’s interim director since early 2025. She has held multiple senior roles at GCWW since joining the organization in 2013. As the executive director, Yang will lead the region’s drinking water utility, with responsibility for operational performance, customer service and execution of major infrastructure priorities.
New York – Nicole Swallow has been named director of purchase for the city of Buffalo. Her background includes building systems that support efficient purchasing, materials planning and operational continuity. Swallow will oversee all procurement and purchasing activities for the city, including establishing rules, standards and specifications for materials, supplies and equipment, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies.
Pennsylvania – Andrew Kreider has been named communications director for the Chester County government. Kreider brings public-sector communications leadership experience, most recently serving as senior government and public affairs liaison for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As Chester County’s communication director, Kreider will lead county communications operations, including internal and external communications, media relations, social media strategy and stewardship of the county’s news and information channels.
Michigan – Hussein M. Dabajeh has been appointed director of community and economic development for the city of Dearborn Heights. Dabajeh most recently served as legislative director for the Wayne County Commission, where he managed daily legislative operations, oversaw the budget process, secured new appropriations and worked closely with local officials and community groups across Wayne County.
Iowa – Melanie Bimson has been selected as the next executive director of the Washington Economic Development Group (WEDG). As executive director for WEDG, Bimson will lead WEDG’s implementation of its updated strategic plan, including pillars focused on building childcare capacity, supporting existing business retention and expansion, advancing housing and workforce development and serving as a catalyst for action across Washington County.
