Ohio – Kimberly Sharp has been selected as Marysville’s next city manager. Sharp has previously served as senior director of development for the Central Ohio Transit Authority and deputy director of planning and development for the city of Westerville. A certified planner, she brings nearly 30 years of experience in community development, transportation planning, economic development and municipal project management.
North Carolina – Dr. Saif Khairat has been named chief artificial intelligence officer at the University of North Carolina. A professor in the School of Nursing, Khairat also serves as director of the Center for Virtual Care Value and Excellence and associate director of the Carolina Health Informatics Program. In his new role, he will lead UNC’s AI strategy and oversee the university’s “AI for Public Good” initiative.
Georgia – Isaiah Hugley has been elected mayor of Columbus, becoming the first Black mayor in the city’s history. Hugley previously served as Columbus city manager from 2021 to 2025 after a long local government career that included roles as deputy city manager, assistant city manager and director of public services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Columbus State University and a Master of Public Administration from Troy University.
Texas – Alan Guard has been appointed city manager of Brownsville. Guard previously served as deputy city manager and brings more than 30 years of municipal leadership experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Texas at El Paso and a master’s degree in political economy from the University of Texas at Dallas. As city manager, he oversees municipal operations, strategic initiatives, infrastructure planning and delivery of city services.
Maryland – Michael Boyce has been appointed senior adviser for responsible artificial intelligence for the State of Maryland. Boyce most recently led the AI portfolio program for U.S. Digital Response, helping state and local governments deploy AI to improve service delivery and operational efficiency. In his new role, Boyce will guide Maryland’s AI strategy, governance, public-private partnerships and responsible deployment initiatives across state government.
New Mexico – Sam Burnett has been appointed public works director for the city of Santa Fe after serving in the role on an interim basis for six months. Burnett has worked for the city since 2017, including as a project manager and director of the Facilities Division. A graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Architecture and Planning, he will oversee one of Santa Fe’s largest departments, including facilities, transit, streets, parking, parks and open space operations.
Washington – Fé LopezGaetke has been appointed to a six-year term on the Washington State University Board of Regents. She previously served as director of diversity, equity and inclusion for the Law School Admission Council and as the first director of Seattle’s Community Police Commission. A WSU graduate, she also earned a law degree from Seattle University School of Law and has held leadership roles with the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington and OneAmerica.
Mary Nam has been appointed to a six-year term on the Washington State University Board of Regents. Nam is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who spent more than 20 years at Seattle’s KOMO-TV and retired in 2026 following a 26-year broadcasting career. A graduate of WSU’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, she has also been active with organizations including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Seattle Children’s Hospital and Food Lifeline.
