Mayor-Elect Simmons Announces Transition Team Policy Committees

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Mayor-elect Caroline Simmons announced this week the 10 policy committees that will be responsible for coming up with recommendations for consideration by her incoming administration. Simmons will be sworn-in as mayor of Stamford on Dec. 1.

Simmons made the announcement at UConn Stamford Thursday. She was joined by her transition team Co-Chairs State Sen. Patricia Billie Miller and Stamford Health President and CEO Kathleen Silard, as well as transition team Executive Director Bridget Fox.

"The Simmons Transition Team is composed of experts, policymakers, advocates, and practitioners with direct knowledge and experience in Stamford relating to their various areas of focus," a news release from the Simmons Transition Team said on Thursday. "Their recommendations will be submitted to the mayor by early January, helping guide the Simmons administration’s initial budget and policy proposals, which she will share in greater detail during her State of the City address in March."

Simmons said in a news release that transitions "offer historic and important opportunities to take stock and evaluate how we can progress as a community and a city." She said she was thankful to the team members for participating.

"As Stamford rebounds from this pandemic, we have an opportunity to invest in our infrastructure by finally making progress on critical projects, to strengthen our economy by finding new ways to support local businesses, and to ensure our city government is responsive to our residents," Simmons added in a news release. "During this transition process, I will ensure everyone involved remains focused on making Stamford a welcoming community and an affordable place to live, work, and retire."

In its first meeting, Transition Team leadership will charge policy committees to gather public input and begin the work of generating clear recommendations. The committee will focus on Simmons' campaign priorities, the challenges that Stamford faces, and key policy areas that ensure that Stamford’s government is responsive to residents.

Both Miller and Silard said in a news release that they were honored to join the transition team and help Simmons hit the ground running when she goes into office next month.

"These meetings will be important opportunities for this group to hear from our community so we can help our new Mayor chart an aggressive path toward achieving those goals," Miller said.

"Transitions are an important part of our democracy, and as we continue to work our way out of a pandemic, this one is especially important to the City of Stamford," added Silard.

Simmons Transition Team Policy Committees

• Economic Development: Fran Pastore, Women’s Business Development Council & Simon Koster, Digital Currency Group
• Infrastructure & Environmental Resiliency: Mike Fedele, former CT Lieutenant Governor & David Kooris, President of Stamford Downtown Special Services District
• Citizen Services: Megan Cottrell, Board of Representatives member & Alice Knapp, President of Ferguson Library
• Education: Stephanie O’Shea, former Parent Teacher Council & Bianca Shinn, Domus Kids
• Affordability & Housing: Joan Carty, Housing Development Fund & Denise Williams, Inspirica, Inc.
• Public Safety: Judge Mary Sommer & Kyle Houser, Legislative Representative for Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Association
• Equity & Inclusion: Dr. Tommie Jackson, Rehoboth Fellowship Church & Carmen Hughes, Founder & CEO of Edelweise Consulting
• Public Health: Dennis Torres, Chief Health Officer at Family Centers & Anka Badurina, Executive Director of Building One Community
• Veteran Affairs: Veterans Hubert Delaney & Thomas Finn
• Workforce Development: Kelli Vallieres, Chief Workforce Officer for the Office of Workforce Strategy & Adam Scianna, Director of Early College Studies at Stamford High School