A collage of public sector leadership appointment for the week of Sept. 11-18, 2025.

Leadership Appointments: Sept. 11-17, 2025

September 17, 2025

Maryland – Tanisha Briley has been appointed as Gaithersburg’s next assistant city manager. Briley brings more than 2 years of public sector service to the role, previously serving as a director with years in human resources administrations.

California – Dr. Richard A. Cavajal has been announced as the next president for the California State Polytechnic University. Dr. Carvajal will step down from his current role at the conclusion of the fall semester. His first day at Cal Poly Humboldt will be Jan. 20.

Colorado – Dr. Marielena DeSanctis has been selected as the chancellor of the Colorado Community College System, the state’s largest provider of postsecondary education. Dr. DeSanctis, who currently serves as President of the Community College of Denver (CCD), will assume her new role as CCCS Chancellor on Oct.1.

California – Nicholas A. Sofoul has been announced as the new executive director for the North Central Regional Transit District. Sofoul will succeed longtime Executive Director Anthony Mortillaro, who is retiring after more than a decade of distinguished service leading the NCRTD Blue Bus system.

Mississippi – Paula Yancey will be stepping down from her role as Gautier’s city manager to pursue other achievements. She had previously served as city manager for nearly ten years, overseeing successes, improvements and major acquisitions.

Missouri – Colton Harris has been appointed as the next city administrator for the city of Republic. Harris’ finalized contract will be presented to the city council, following his acceptance of the role. Harris is expected to start the position Dec. 8.

Michigan – Patrick Waterman has been selected to serve as Ottawa County’s next county administrator. Waterman brings more than 23 years of local government leadership experience with expertise in strategic planning, economic development, capital improvement planning and public finance.

Colorado – Sean Faris has been appointed as the deputy chief of the Regional Transit District in Denver. Faris is a veteran law enforcement officer with more than 35 years of experience, previously serving as lieutenant in the patrol division of the Denver Police Department (DPD).

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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.

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