Lexington, KY - At the midway point in his term as mayor, Jim Gray has made some changes in his staff, adding and shuffling some people.
"What’s true in sports is true in management, you’ve got to play to your strengths," Gray said in a Wednesday afternoon press conference announcing the return of Geoff Reed, a former aide who worked for Gray at the beginning of the administration before going back to work for his previous boss, Congressman Ben Chandler. Reed returns following Chandler's defeat in November Rep. Andy Barr, will now serve as the commissioner of general services.
Gray also welcomes into the office former council-member Tom Blues who will serve as an aide. Blues spent three terms on council before deciding not to seek reelection last year.
Some current staff members as commissioners have seen their roles shuffled as Richard Maloney is transitioning away from Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and into the role of commissioner of environmental quality and public works.
Sally Hamilton, who has been the commissioner of general services has been named CAO.
Bill O’Mara, director of the Division of Revenue, will serve as acting commissioner of finance and administration, while the a search is conducted to find a permanent replacement for Jane Driskell who was hired by Gov. Steve Beshear as state budget director. Gray said there is no timeline on naming a full time replacement.
Glenn Brown has been named Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. Brown has served as the city’s director of community corrections. Melissa Lueker, a former assistant to the CAO, has been named acting director of the Division of Budgeting.
"Many of those who are with us in this team are the same who’ve been with us all along," Gray said following the announcement. "I learned in a family business that being able to adjust and adapt and walk in different moccasins is an asset, it’s a real benefit to an organization."