Stamford Mayor Announces 2 Cabinet Appointments

Stamford Mayor David Martin has announced the appointments of two key cabinet members including a new traffic and parking czar.

Joshua W. Benson has been named Bureau Chief of Transportation, Traffic & Parking, who will take office in late August. Benson has more than 15 years of experience in New York City, where he is the Assistant Commissioner for Street Improvement Projects, and formerly served as the Director of Bicycle & Pedestrian Programs.

As a leader in the New York City Department of Transportation, Benson has managed and been involved with the major reshaping of New York City’s streets under Mayors Bloomberg and de Blasio. He directly manages a staff of 45 planners, designers, engineers and project managers working in the Public Spaces & Greenways Units, Bicycle Program, and Pedestrian Projects Group. He holds a bachelor’s degree from New York University and a master’s degree in Urban Planning from Columbia University.

During his tenure, Benson has played a major role in New York City’s Vision Zero campaign, developed new programs including the Priority School Speed Reduction Initiative to curtail illegal speeding around schools and the Parking Meter Bike Rack, which converted thousands on unused parking meters into functional bike racks. He has supervised the implementation of scores of pedestrian safety improvements and more than 400 miles of bike lanes throughout New York City.

Benson was selected after a search, in which several candidates were interviewed by administration officials. Martin cited Benson’s deep municipal experience and vision for Stamford in his announcement on Thursday.

“Josh’s experience speaks for itself. He is a leader who understands the importance of improving our transportation infrastructure and he has the know-how to make it happen. I am looking forward to working with Josh as we address the many challenges facing our city in this area,” Martin said in a statement.

Martin has submitted his appointment of Benson to the Board of Representatives for consideration and approval.

Martin also announced that Special Assistant to the Mayor for Communications Thomas Dec is resigning effective Aug. 1 in order to attend law school at the University of California at Berkeley. He will be replaced by Elizabeth Carlson.

“Tom has been a key member of my team from the beginning and has done an exceptional job serving the people of Stamford as we tackled a number of challenges and opportunities over the past two years. I wish him all the best as he pursues his law degree,” Martin said. “With that said, we are excited to have Libby on board. She comes to the position with experience at the State Legislature, and here in Fairfield County, and I’m sure will make many contributions of her own. I look forward to working with her in the months and years ahead.”

Carlson served as the press secretary and spokesman for U.S. Rep. Jim Himes’ (D-4) 2014 campaign. Previously, she served as a press secretary for the Connecticut House Democratic Caucus, where she worked with 11 state representatives and managed their communications. She holds a bachelor’s degree from New York University.

Contributed photo: Joshua Benson, left; Elizabeth Carlson.