FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  Contact: Brie Turek (407) 246-3106
Cheryl Henry (407) 246-3582

MAYOR TRANSITIONS CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER POSITION

April 26, 2005 (Orlando, FL) – Today, Mayor Buddy Dyer announced the departure of Richard Levey from his position as Chief Administrative Officer and Interim Director of Economic Development with the City of Orlando. The Mayor also announced the appointment of Byron Brooks to assume the role of Interim Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) effective upon Levey’s departure, until a nation-wide search can be conducted. Tanja Gerhartz will assume the role of Interim Director of Economic Development.

Richard Levey began his career at the City in 1986 as the Bureau Chief of City Planning, and is the longest serving CAO in the City’s history. He has served under four Mayors and numerous Commissioners. Most notable in his 18-year career accomplishments, he: helped create the largest increase in park land through the City’s parks initiatives; lead three of the largest public-private partnerships in Central Florida, including Baldwin Park, Universal Studios Florida I-4 Interchange, and Millennium Mall/Conroy Road I-4 Interchange; managed the planning and development of the Orlando Arena; and served in the critical role of assisting Mayor Page through his tenure as Mayor.

“Richard had informed me that he had been thinking about departing the City for quite some time, so when we sat down and talked, we were able to easily come to an agreement on what is best for him and the City going forward,” said Mayor Dyer. “Richard has agreed to resign to pursue other opportunities and we wish him much success in the future.”

Levey will stay on the job through Friday, May 6, 2005, to assist with the transition. “It’s time to let someone else take the helm as Chief Administrative Officer,” said Levey. “Great opportunities lay ahead for the City and the new CAO will play an important role. I’m grateful for the experience and the opportunities my employment with the City provided me and I leave with a feeling of great accomplishment and excitement for the future.”

Byron Brooks, who will assume the duties of CAO on an interim basis, has 16 years of experience in senior administrative roles with government and quasi-governmental agencies. He has served as both the Deputy County Administrator for Orange County and as the Executive Director for the region’s public transportation agency, Lynx. Prior to being appointed to this interim position, Brooks has been serving as the City of Orlando’s Director of Family, Parks and Recreation.

Tanja Gerhartz has worked with the city for more than nineteen years in various Economic Development and City Planning roles. Prior to her appointment as Interim Director of Economic Development, Tanja held the title of Deputy Director. She brings various levels of expertise to the position, including attracting high-wage businesses to Orlando.

“Byron and Tanja have proven themselves to be leaders in our organization and committed to the citizens and the City’s goals,” said Mayor Dyer. “Byron, with his years of experience as a senior administrator and skills at creating consensus is the perfect candidate to guide our administrative process through this period. And Tanja has the institutional knowledge and experience to effectively lead the management of the day-to-day operations of the Economic Development Department through a seamless transition.”

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