Fitz makes two appointments
Allegheny County executive-elect Rich Fitzgerald is getting closer to taking over the reins of county government and has launched a website listing 12 transition teams (with members still to be named).
He has named two top staffers -- his chief of staff and spokesperson -- and released details of his inaugural events. His swearing-in ceremony will be Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 1 p.m. at the Soldiers & Sailors hall in Oakland. His inaugural party will be that night from 7-11 p.m. at the Greater Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in Duquesne, and attendees are being asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donation to the food bank as their admission.
From his office:
Fitzgerald also announced today the appointment of two key members of his executive staff. Jennifer Liptak will begin January 3rd as Chief of Staff to the County Executive. Since 2004, she has served as County Council’s Budget Director and was responsible for assisting Council in the development of the annual Operating, Capital, Grants, and Special Accounts Budgets. In that capacity, Jennifer also functioned as a liaison to the County Manager’s Office, the Department of Budget and Finance, the Department of Economic Development, and other entities as needed, giving her a strong background for her new role in the County Executive’s Office.
Amie Downs will begin January 3rd as Director of Communications for the County. For the past six years, she has served as Chief of Staff to State Senator Wayne D. Fontana and has been responsible for communications, legislation and policy. Prior to her tenure with the Senator, Amie served as Director of Legislative Services for Allegheny County Council.