The diverse, 65-person transition team that will help Mayor-elect Sean Ryan fill key administration posts is what Ryan calls, "a true reflection of Buffalo."
The team, co-chaired by former U.S. Attorney Trini Ross and Dr. Marie Cannon, Community Action Organization of Western New York CEO, is filled with a healthy cross section of Buffalo residents and business owners.
John Maggiore, a 30-year local and state politics insider, is serving as the executive director.
Collectively, the team's mission is to find qualified candidates to fill more than 50 key Buffalo City Hall posts ranging from public works to planning and strategic planning along with social services.
Ryan is eschewing any current City Hall administrators - although all are welcome to re-apply for their posts, the incoming mayor said.
"We want someone with a fresh and open assessment," Ryan said.
The lone exceptions will be police and fire commissioners, where the city will use a headhunter to help find the best candidates.
Pedigree and passion for Buffalo are key, Ryan said.
"This is an important step," said Brenda McDuffie, Erie County Industrial Development Agency chairperson and a member of the Planning, Permits and Parking transition team committee. "It puts us on the right path to rebuilding Buffalo."
Ryan said he hopes many of the key positions are filled by the time he takes office on Jan. 1 but acknowledges some may take longer to fill.
"Remember, we are casting a wide net," Ryan said.
Each committee will make recommendations to Ryan after possible candidates are vetted and screened. Ryan said he will make the final choice but it will be an open and transparent process.
McDuffie said she is encouraged by the entire process.
"It gives me hope moving forward into the future," McDuffie said.
The transition team subcommittee vice chairs:
* Community Enrichment--Dr. Barbara Seals Nevergold
* Emergency Services--Joseph Gramaglia and Charlie Torres
* Finance--Ken Kruly
* Law --Jeremy Toth
* Planning, Permits & Parking--Jessie Fisher
* Public Works/Parks--Bill Geary
* Worker Relations--Debbie Hayes