Sharon Owens, transition team set for ‘Maximize the Moment’ next step
On Wednesday, Syracuse Mayor-Elect Sharon Owens announced her transition team to assist her in prioritizing her platform. Her team will consist of five co-chairs, nine committee pillars and chairpersons and two executive assistants. Leonardo Eriman | Photo Editor
Support The Daily Orange this holiday season! The money raised between now and the end of the year will go directly toward aiding our students. Donate today.
Syracuse Mayor-Elect Sharon Owens announced Wednesday evening the team that will assist her in prioritizing her platform’s policies as she transitions into office.
Owens’ team will consist of five co-chairs, nine committee pillars and chairpersons and two executive assistants to identify new strategies and practices for “efficient and effective public service” to benefit the city, according to her website.
In a Wednesday release, Owens said she’s “honored” to work with her transition team to take the next step in her “Maximizing the Moment” initiative.
“My campaign’s platform has now become the foundation for my administration’s pillars which will strive to improve the quality of life and human condition of people who live, work and play in Syracuse,” Owens wrote in a Wednesday statement.
The co-chairs include:
- New York Power Authority Trustee Bea Gonzáles
- Le Moyne College President Linda LeMura
- Central New York Community Foundation President and CEO Melanie Littlejohn
- SUNY Educational Opportunity Center Vice President Tim Penix
- Centerstate President and CEO Rob Simpson
Co-chairs
Gonzáles became the first Latina elected to the Syracuse Board of Education in 1991 and the first Latina to serve as president of the Syracuse Common Council in 2001. She later served as the Dean of University College and the vice president for community engagement at Syracuse University.
“My commitment has always been to build bridges — between neighborhoods, institutions and people — and to ensure that equity, inclusion and civic engagement are at the heart of our city’s future,” Gonzales said.
Syracuse native LeMura was the first female to become president of a Jesuit college or university in the United States in 2014. During her tenure at Le Moyne, she launched new academic programs and engaged in “strengthening the workforce development strategies” for the Syracuse area, the release states.
In the announcement, LeMura said she’s excited to work with Owens because of her commitment to strengthening existing partnerships while still collaborating with new organizations.
SU and Stony Brook University alum, Littlejohn, is a current co-chair of the Micron Community Engagement Committee, among several other regional boards. She said Owens’ time as mayor will grow a stronger and more inclusive city, the release read.
“I am excited to support her as we shape a future rooted in collaboration, innovation, equity and shared purpose,” Littlejohn said. “Together, we have the chance to create meaningful, lasting change.”
Penix has previous leadership in workforce training, community engagement and has a “deep commitment” to equity, according to the release. In addition to his role at EOC, he has positions on statewide councils and Micron’s Community Investment Fund, alongside Littlejohn.
Syracuse resident Simpson hopes to work toward expanding “access to opportunity for all.” According to the release, he’s committed to Owens’ campaign of ethical and sustainable growth through his work at CenterState, the “region’s leading independent business organization.”
Committee Pillars and Chairpersons:
Under Owens’ “Thriving Neighborhoods” initiative, City of Syracuse Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development Michael Collins will act as the chairperson.
Pastor Lateef Johnson-Kinsey, director of Syracuse Mayor’s Office to Reduce Gun Violence, will lead her “Public Safety” initiative.
“GenNEXT,” a program designed to assist Syracuse’s youth, will be led by Councilor at-Large Rasheada Caldwell, Senior Vice President of Racial Equity and Social Impact Juhanna Rogers and SU Couri Hatchery Business Incubator Indaria Jones.
Diversify NY Principal Rickey Brown and City of Syracuse Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development Eric Ennis will lead the “Inclusive Economy” initiative.
Owens’ “Financial Stability” platform will be led by chairperson Councilor at-Large Corey Williams, as the Finance Committee Chair.
The “Big Things Ahead” initiative will be led by CenterState CEO’s interim Senior Vice President of Strategy, Policy and Planning, Kevin Schwab.
Barry Lentz and Anne Messenger will provide executive assistance to the transition team.
Support The Daily Orange this holiday season! The money raised between now and the end of the year will go directly toward aiding our students. Donate today.
