Oregon – Jamie Snook has been selected as the next executive director of capital project delivery for TriMet. Snook brings nearly three decades of regional transportation experience. She most recently served as a major projects director for TriMet. In her executive director role, she will oversee capital improvement and maintenance projects across TriMet, with a focus on keeping the system in a state of good repair by maintaining and replacing critical equipment, systems and facilities.
Arizona – Carlos Contreras has been selected as the new chief investment officer for the Phoenix Industrial Development Authority (Phoenix IDA). Contreras brings more than two decades of senior leadership across the public and private sectors, most recently serving as director of the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity. As CIO, Contreras will oversee the Community Enhancement Corporation, the Community Investment Fund, communications, government affairs and special projects.
Michigan – Rex Menold has been selected as Michigan’s new chief security officer. Menold brings nearly 28 years of state technology experience, including service as Michigan’s chief technology officer, with a track record spanning enterprise IT leadership, security operations and cross-agency coordination. As chief security officer, he will lead statewide cybersecurity strategy, strengthen security initiatives and build resilience across state operations to protect the critical infrastructure Michigan relies on.
New York – Kamar Samuels has been appointed as the next schools chancellor for New York City Public Schools. Samuels brings nearly two decades of experience as a New York City educator and system leader. Over his career, Samuels has included service as superintendent in Manhattan’s District 3, with experience supporting districtwide instructional initiatives and school leadership.
Iowa – Shawnna Silvius has been named city administrator for the City of Avoca. Silvius brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across municipal management and community and economic development. In Avoca, she will oversee daily city operations, collaborate with department heads, and support the city council’s strategic goals, capital improvement planning and community engagement efforts that advance quality of life.
Washington – Paul Simmons has been selected as the new city administrator for the city of Tumwater. Simmons brings more than 30 years in public service with leadership experience across city and regional government, most recently serving as director of business administration and planning for Metro Parks Tacoma. While at Metro Parks Simmon oversaw finance, information technology, human resources, planning, marketing and communications for Tacoma’s Parks.
Arizona – Patrick Banger has been selected as city manager for the city of Glendale. Banger brings deep municipal executive experience, most recently serving as town manager for Gilbert, where he led major growth-era initiatives focused on fiscal stewardship, economic development and quality of life outcomes. In Glendale, he will oversee daily operations, implement city council policy and manage the city budget.
Louisiana – Rizwan Ahmed has been selected as the new leader of the Baton Rouge Information Services Department. Ahmed brings decades of public-sector technology leadership, including prior service as Louisiana’s chief information officer and executive experience overseeing large-scale technology operations. In this role, he will oversee modernization, infrastructure and security, guide technology acquisitions, and lead efforts to strengthen service delivery and operational performance across the city-parish enterprise.
