Wilmington Mayor John Carney is firming up his administration, appointing a mix of new and familiar faces to key city leadership roles. In an effort to maintain continuity and harness tested expertise, several appointees from the previous administration are being retained.
"Serving the public is a highly rewarding and yet very demanding job, said Mayor Carney," a statement obtained by the City of Wilmington. With a focus on collaboration and direct engagement with the community, the mayor expressed his excitement in working with a team rich in experience. The roster, introduced today, includes determined public servants tasked to head the city's law enforcement, cultural development, and other critical departments. Among the appointed or re-appointed leaders are Wilfredo Campos as Chief of Police, and John Looney as Chief of Fire Department. Other notable names include Tina Betz, who will continue to lead the Office of Cultural Affairs, and Kelly Williams, who remains at the helm of the Department of Public Works.
The mayor made it clear that sustaining and enhancing the delivery of vital city services is at the forefront of his agenda. To this end, the leadership team displays a range of professionals. Gabe Pabon will manage the Department of Licenses and Inspections; Robert Goff maintains his position as City Solicitor, while Brett Taylor takes charge of the Department of Finance. Also among those appointed are Elliott Larkin as Acting Director of the Department of Land Use and Planning, and Sean Park to direct the Office of Economic Development.
The administration's commitment to responsive governance is reflected in the emphasis on human resources and community services, with Charlotte Barnes taking lead of the Department of Human Resources, and Melody Phillips stepping in as Acting Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. Real estate and housing concerns will fall under the purview of Bob Weir, while the city's financial oversight will be managed by Terence Williams, as City Auditor. All these appointments paint a picture of a leadership landscape poised to maneuver through cultural, economic, and structural facets of Wilmington.
Each selected leader stands at the threshold of challenges unique to their office, expected to bring forth innovative solutions rooted in civic service. As Wilmington embraces a new chapter under Mayor Carney's leadership, the city's residents watch with cautious optimism. The full list of appointees and more details about their roles can be found on the official City of Wilmington website.
