California – Dr. Ray Jayawardhana has been appointed by the Caltech Board of Trustees as the institute’s 10th president, with his term set to begin July 1, 2026. He currently serves as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Johns Hopkins University. Jayawardhana brings research leadership and higher education management experience, including work that connects faculty strategy, student outcomes and major research enterprises.
Washington – Matt Watkins has been selected as a commissioner for the Port of Pasco. Watkins currently serves as executive director of the Pasco Public Facilities District and previously served as mayor of Pasco. In his new role, Watkins will help ensure public funds are used responsibly while continuing the port’s long-term vision. Watkins has emphasized priorities that include developing properties and catering to incoming businesses that want to do business in Pasco.
Florida – Dennis Hollingsworth has been selected as chief information officer for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Hollingsworth has strong experience in senior IT leadership for the Florida state government. As CIO of the Department of Environmental Protection, Hollingsworth will lead enterprise technology services, including IT operations, cybersecurity, data systems and modernization support across the department.
Arizona – Dr. Kimberly Britt has been promoted to executive vice chancellor and provost for Maricopa Community Colleges. Britt most recently served as president of Phoenix College. She brings experience from prior leadership roles in the Virginia Community College System and Reynolds Community College. Britt will lead academic strategy across the district and has framed her leadership around building collaboration that improves student outcomes and workforce-ready programming.
West Virginia – Steve Maguschak is retiring from his role as city manager for the City of Wellsburg. Maguschak has served as city manager since 2015 and brought decades of public service experience, including law enforcement leadership. During his tenure, he guided city hall repairs and advanced water, wastewater and waterfront infrastructure improvements, with an ongoing focus on securing funding to deliver phased system upgrades. He has agreed to remain as a part-time consultant through at least January 23 to support the leadership transition.
New Jersey – Steve Sweeney has been appointed county administrator for Gloucester County. Sweeney brings senior government leadership experience, including prior service in statewide roles, and will now serve as the county’s chief operating officer. The county administrator role directs day-to-day operations across county government, oversees operating and capital budget preparation and drives implementation of board policy through department leadership.
Georgia – Andre Dickens has been re-elected as mayor of the city of Atlanta. Dickens has led the city as mayor since 2022 and previously served on the Atlanta City Council and in nonprofit and civic leadership roles focused on economic mobility and innovation. In his next term, he will continue to oversee citywide operations, budget leadership and execution of major priorities that affect business climate and service delivery.
Louisiana – Carleton Buddy Myles has been selected as mayor pro tempore for the City of Minden. Myles serves on the Minden City Council and will step into the presiding role when the mayor is absent, supporting continuity on council actions and city operations. He previously served as the president of a local Minden Cajun food stand.
