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Segarra Names Chief of Staff and Corporation Counsel

Jeff Cohen

July 15, 2010

The release is below.

MAYOR SEGARRA ANNOUNCES

MAJOR STAFFING APPOINTMENTS

—NEWS AND COMMUNITY RELEASE—

(July15, 2010)—Mayor Pedro E. Segarra is pleased to announce two important staff appointments— Dr. Jose F. Colon-Rivas as Acting Chief of Staff and Attorney Saundra Kee Borges as the next Corporation Counsel.

“These two individuals exemplify the managerial experience, leadership, and field expertise that are essential as we work together to create a cabinet of multifaceted professionals with the skills necessary to make government leaner, more efficient, more accountable, and more responsive to the residents of Hartford,” said Mayor Segarra.

“Saundra— or Sandy as she is known to me— attended the University Of Connecticut School Of Law ahead of me. She is a mentor, is highly organized, and we are so very fortunate to have a City resident who fully understands both municipal law and the ‘ins and outs’ of City government. When I was appointed to the position of Corporation Counsel, Sandy was a senior member of the legal staff and handled the ever increasing legal and administrative duties of the office in a professional and exemplary manner. She left prior to being promoted to Deputy Corporation Counsel in order to serve as City Manager. Since leaving the City, Sandy has practiced law in her own firm. She has also worked as an adjunct professor at Trinity College teaching Public Policy at the Graduate level. Sandy is a person of great integrity and brings to this position a wealth of experience and talents that will serve our residents well,” Segarra continued.

Dr. Colon-Rivas, who will continue to carry out his duties as Executive Director of the Office for Young Children, will take on additional administrative and supervisory responsibilities in the Office of the Mayor.

“Jose is a highly trained research analyst with a proven track record of developing successful programs. His critical thinking was cultivated early in his educational career when he graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Puerto Rico and the Interamerican University with his Masters in Administration and Supervision and earned his Ph.D. in Individual and Families Studies at Penn State. His organizational skills, accomplishment in working closely with families in challenged communities, and his clinical background will complement the work of David Panagore, our Chief Operating Officer and Director of Development Services. He is also a nationally recognized educational leader who has a proven track record of securing state and federal funds. His dual role is part of my team’s multitasking approach to government encouraging alternative points of view. My Chief of Staff will be an ambassador to our community based organizations,” said the Mayor.

Both positions are effective July 19th. In accordance with the City Charter, the appointment of Corporation Counsel will go before the Court of Common Council.