Mayor-elect Buttigieg Announces Transition Team

November 15, 2011

SOUTH BEND—Mayor-elect Pete Buttigieg announced today the formation of a seven-member Transition Team that will help implement his vision and guide the process leading to his January 1 swearing in.

“One week ago, South Bend decided that it wanted a fresh start in city government,” said Buttigieg, who met with the transition team at an office downtown. “Today, I begin delivering on that promise by convening a number of community voices to help me get input as we build the new administration.”

The seven-member group includes:

• Brad Chamness, Business Representative for Sheet Metal Workers Local 20
• Michelle Engel, Attorney and South Bend Community School Corporation Board Member
• Gary Gilot, outgoing Director of Public Works with the City of South Bend
• Tracy Graham, Managing Partner of Graham Allen Partners
• Sheri Miller Story, Director of Public Policy, Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County
• Mark Neal, head of KRS Financial and former VP and CFO of Press Ganey Associates, Inc.
• Rebecca Ruvalcaba, Executive Director at La Casa de Amistad Youth and Community Center

Buttigieg also announced the creation of a transition website—www.FreshStartSouthBend.com—where residents can learn more about the transition team, share ideas on city government and services, and also apply for positions with the City of South Bend.

The transition team will assist Buttigieg in recruiting qualified applicants to serve the City of South Bend, beginning with the mayor’s office staff and department heads. Existing department heads have been advised to re-apply if they would like to continue serving the City.