Print

New Faces At City Hall

By Jenna Carlesso

June 08, 2011

Mayor Pedro Segarra has filled several key positions left vacant when about 30 city employees enrolled in an early retirement program last fall.

The mayor has hired Julio Molleda as the city's chief financial officer. Molleda recently served as the city's acting director of management and budget and worked previously as chief financial officer for the Hartford Public Library.

Molleda replaces acting Finance Director Christian Johnson. Johnson took over the role following the resignation of Christopher Wolf last year.

Jose Sanchez has been named the new director of management and budget, effective July 1. Sanchez, who works as the controller for the Hartford Public Schools, replaces Molleda.

John Phillips will begin work as the city assessor next month, following the retirement of longtime Assessor Lawrence LaBarbera.

"Larry is universally praised for his knowledge and exceptional skills," Segarra said. "His years of service have truly benefitted the city and its residents and we wish him well in his future endeavors."

Phillips, who will join the city workforce Monday, most recently served as assessor for the towns of Groton and Durham.

Wayne Benjamin, who has worked as acting director of Economic Development, will now take over the role permanently. Benjamin will be responsible for working with businesses to help them grow and attracting new businesses, city officials said.

"These four individuals bring a unique set of skills to their respective jobs and demonstrate my desire to strike a balance between providing new challenges and opportunities for current city employees and seeking the best, most talented individuals that will continue to move this city forward," Segarra said in a statement. "Their backgrounds prove that they are prepared and ready to address the very difficult demands of their respective positions, while simultaneously bringing new insight and fresh perspective to the city."