Strategic PartnershipsKentucky – Bill Bell has been named the first director of Louisville’s Department of Transportation. Bell previously served as the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety executive director and in his new role, he will lead efforts to make the city’s transit network safer, more efficient and sustainable.
California – Tai Williams has been selected as the new town manager for Danville, effective July 1. Williams currently serves as the town manager and steps into the role following the retirement of Joe Calabrigo.
Massachusetts – Michael B. Alexander has been appointed as interim president for Western New England University (WNE), effective July 1. Alexander brings over 16 years of leadership experience in higher education to the role and most recently served as president of Lasell University.
California – Suzanne Plezia has been selected as managing directors of Port of Long Beach Engineering services. Plezia currently serves as the Port’s senior director of the Engineering Services Bureau and Chief Harbor Engineer, and in her new role, Plezia will oversee a capital improvement program to enhance the Port’s capacity, competitiveness and sustainability.
New York – Christopher Tuff has been appointed as the new CEO of Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro). Tuff currently has served as Centro’s deputy chief executive officer and has been serving as interim CEO since former CEO Brian Schultz went on medical leave in late 2023.
Ohio – Eric Scott has been named COO of Akron Metro. Scott brings over 30 years of experience to the role and began at Akron Metro in 2009 as a maintenance trainer. In his new role, he will oversee daily operations, improve efficiency and boost service delivery across the organization.
Alabama – Sarah Bridger Gilmore has been appointed as the Executive Director of Strategic Communications for the city of Tuscaloosa. Bridger Gilmore brings over 10 years of experience in the public sector communications to the role and she first joined the city in 2019 as a Communications Specialist.
Missouri – Connie Johnson has been appointed as the next Executive Director of the SLATE Missouri Job Center. Johnson brings over 20 years of experience in legal, workforce and public service leadership to the role.
Oklahoma – Gregory Slavonic has been named interim commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). Slavonic previously served as the director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs and prior to state service, he served as assistant secretary of the Navy for manpower and reserve affairs.
Georgia – Odie Donald II has been appointed as the city of Richmond’s next CAO, effective July 9. Donald currently serves as the COS to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and prior to that role, he served as the city/county administrator for the combined government of the city of Augusta and Richmond County.
Louisiana – Jawan Brown-Alexander has been appointed as deputy superintendent of New Orleans Louisiana Public Schools (NOLA-PS), effective June 23. She brings over 30 years of experience in leadership, education and community advocacy to the role and previously served as Chief of Schools for New Schools New Orleans.
Washington – Dennis Worsham has been appointed as Washington’s new secretary of health, effective July 7. Worsham has 32 years of experience in public health and most recently served as the first director of public health for the Snohomish County Health Department.
