Syracuse Mayor-elect Sharon Owens is assembling a team of local leaders to guide her transition into office in the new year.
The team will help prioritize her campaign platform, explore new strategies, and ensure city services are efficient and effective.
“My campaign’s platform has now become the foundation for my administration’s pillars,” Owens said. “I am honored to work with this team of dedicated public and community servants. Together we take the next step in maximizing the moment and creating a movement of collective growth and opportunity for us all.”
The transition will be led by five co-chairs with deep ties to Syracuse and Central New York:
- Bea González, New York Power Authority trustee and longtime civic leader, was the first Latina elected to the Syracuse Board of Education and the first Latina president of the Syracuse Common Council.
- Dr. Linda LeMura, president of Le Moyne College, is the first lay female leader of a Jesuit college in the U.S. and co-chairs the state’s Regional Economic Development Council.
- Melanie Littlejohn, president and CEO of the Central New York Community Foundation.
- Tim Penix, vice president of the Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center.
- Rob Simpson, president and CEO of CenterState CEO.
Six committees, reflecting Owens’ campaign pillars, will guide the transition’s work. They will focus on public safety, neighborhood growth, youth programs, economic inclusion, financial stability and major city projects.
Owens’ team will seek public input through surveys and volunteer opportunities to help shape the city’s priorities.