E-mail Story
Print Friendly
Send E-mail
Reprint story
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Berry Moves To Line Up Aides
By Dan McKay
Journal Staff Writer
Mayor-elect Richard Berry made another move to shape his administration on Monday, tapping a former state Cabinet secretary and others for top jobs.
He announced that former state Tourism Secretary John Garcia will head Albuquerque's economic development efforts, Bruce Rizzieri will take over the Transit Department, and Tito Madrid will be director of constituent services.
Berry, who takes office Dec. 1, said each of the three appointees has a strong background in the operations they'll head.
"All these individuals are experts at what they do," he said during a news conference on the steps of City Hall.
Berry defeated three-term incumbent Martin Chávez last month. He became the first Republican in two decades to win the office.
n Garcia served under former Gov. Gary Johnson as a secretary for the departments of Economic Development and Tourism. He is also the senior officer of economic development at the University of New Mexico. He's worked in the private sector, too, through a consulting business and in management for Bennigan's Restaurant and the Marriott Hotel chains.
n Rizzieri has served as regional transit manager for the Mid-Region Council of Governments and as an associate director for the city Transit Department. He would replace Greg Payne, a former city councilor and state representative who's run ABQ RIDE for Chávez.
n Madrid has worked as a community outreach liaison for then-Congresswoman Heather Wilson, R-N.M., and in other roles for the state Environment Department and Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.
Rizzieri and Garcia will make about $97,000 a year, which is less than their predecessors made.
Madrid will make about $75,000 annually as director of constituent services, which is a new position.
You also can send comments via our comment form
|
|
