A collage of public sector leadership appointments from around the nation.

Leadership Appointments: Oct. 23-29, 2025

October 29, 2025

Oklahoma -Travis Stephens has been named economic development director for the city of Broken Arrow. He brings a broad range of leadership experience in community and economic development. As director, Stephens aims to continue the city’s momentum in attracting and retaining businesses.

National – J.R. Sloan has been named president of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO). Sloan, who serves as chief information officer for Arizona, specializes in technology innovation and IT governance. As NASCIO president, he aims to advance government excellence through collaboration, partnership and technology leadership.  

Florida – Jose FernandezCPA, has been appointed chief financial officer (CFO) for the city of Orlando. He brings 30 years of experience in local government finance and previously served as the city’s deputy CFO. Fernandez’s commitment to excellence and deep expertise will support Orlando’s financial operations and long-term planning. 

District Of Columbia – Eduardo Peñalver has been named president of Georgetown University. He brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, having served as president of Seattle University and dean of Cornell Law School. Peñalver shares Georgetown’s commitment to student formation and academic excellence in the Jesuit tradition. 

Washington – Aaron Lande has been appointed assistant city manager for the city of Vancouver. Lande previously served as the city’s program and policy director. In his new role, he will help guide strategic priorities, including addressing the homelessness crisis following the city’s state-of-emergency declaration.  

Massachusetts – Jennifer Chrisler has been appointed president of Hampshire College. Chrisler joined Hampshire in 2019 and served as interim president for three months before her promotion. She aims to foster an educational environment that emphasizes student agency, adaptability and real-world impact.

California – Brad Helfenberger has been named director of information services for the city of Antioch. He previously served as assistant city manager and brings more than 25 years of experience in municipal government. Helfenberger plans to strengthen the city’s information systems and modernize its internal infrastructure. 

New Mexico – Ramon Garcia has been named executive director of the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization. He brings nonprofit leadership experience, having previously served as CEO of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Boys and Girls Club. Garcia plans to continue the organization’s legacy of providing vital support and community to seniors.

Strategic Partnerships

Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) is a nationally focused business development, government affairs consulting, and procurement consulting firm. Since 1995, the SPI team has offered a more comprehensive suite of services than any other firm in the country. SPI’s capabilities include expertise in the areas of Public-Private Partnerships and the State, Local, and Education (SLED) market.

Don't Miss

Massive support, funding now available to improve supply-chain networks

New opportunities for multimodal freight, rail, and port projects are

New hospitals greenlit for Amarillo, Wichita Falls

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is searching