NEW HAVEN, CT – Today, Mayor Justin Elicker announced the appointment of three new staff members to serve in key positions in his administration: Dr. Kristy Sampieri as City Controller, Michael Siciliano as Director of Parks and Public Works, and Kenechukwu (Ken) H. Okwuosa as Coordinator of the Office of Violence Prevention.  Sampieri and Siciliano begin today and Okwuosa begins next Tuesday, January 16^th.

“New Haven residents will be well-served by these three experienced and dedicated professionals who are stepping into critical roles in our administration,” said Mayor Elicker. “While very different jobs, each one serves an important role in city government, whether that’s helping to keep our city finances running smoothly, our streets and parks clean and vibrant, or our residents and neighborhoods safe.  I’m grateful to Kristy Sampieri, Michael Siciliano, and Ken Okwuosa for taking on these roles and bringing their expertise and experience to help support our city and our residents thrive.” 

CITY CONTROLLER

As City Controller, Dr. Sampieri will be responsible for day-to-day oversight of the City’s Department of Finance, which includes the divisions and staff responsible for accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, pension, tax assessment, and tax collection. The controller also shares audit and procurement responsibilities with the City’s budget director.  

Dr. Sampieri brings over seventeen years of financial expertise and leadership to the position, including a keen understanding of municipal finance, budgeting, and auditing. Most recently, Sampieri worked for Merril Lynch as a Wealth Management Senior Registered Associate, where she managed the day-to-day financial operations for the team’s $5.6 billion assets under management and served as interim office director. While at Merrill Lynch, she also served as the philanthropic chair of the Women’s Exchange Network to promote women’s career advancement in the workplace and leadership in the community. Sampieri received a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Master of Business Administration from Southern Connecticut State University and earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from Northeastern University.

“I am honored to join Mayor Elicker and the City’s finance team as the new controller for the City of New Haven, as it deeply aligns with my passion for responsible financial stewardship and integrity,” said Controller Sampieri. “I am excited to apply my financial expertise to help guide the City’s day-to-day financial operations, to help support the City’s continued financial growth and to serve my fellow residents in this important role.”

The controller role was previously assumed by Michael Gormany in an acting capacity, while also serving as the City’s budget director. Mr. Gormany will continue to serve as budget director overseeing the Office of Policy, Management and Grants, which provides overall strategy and direction for the City’s budget and finances with responsibilities that include budget development, budget monitoring and fiscal controls, monthly financial reports, financial forecasting, and also oversees the city grant process, among other responsibilities. The Office of Policy, Management and Grants includes the City’s accounting office, budget office, risk management and workers compensation office, treasury office, employee wellness program, and shares audit and procurement responsibilities with the controller.  

DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND PUBLIC WORKS

As Director of Parks and Public Works, Michael Siciliano will supervise the department’s day-to-day operations and personnel, which is responsible for the maintenance of the City’s parks and public spaces as well as refuse and recycling collection. The director is also responsible for coordinating and supporting emergency responses to flooding, snow, and other weather-related emergencies.

Siciliano has worked in municipal government for over twenty-five years for the Town of Hamden where he held similar responsibilities. Most recently, he served as Assistant Director for Public Works & Parks, a position he has held since 2011. Prior to that, he served as Hamden’s Superintendent of Streets and as Municipal Maintenance personnel. Siciliano also worked for several years in the construction industry. 

“I am honored and excited to serve as the Director of Parks and Public Works for the City of New Haven. Making sure the streets are clean, the trash is picked up, and that parks and greenspaces are well-maintained are all essential to ensuring that New Haveners have a high quality of life,” said Director Siciliano. “I look forward to working with Mayor Elicker, the Board of Alders, and the dedicated staff of the Department of Parks and Public Works – and putting my knowledge and experience to work for New Haven residents.” 

The role as previously assumed by Rebecca Bombero in an acting capacity and Ms. Bombero will return to her previous position as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. The Director of Parks and Public Works reports directly to the Chief Administrative Officer Regina Rush-Kittle.

COORDINATOR, OFFICE OF VIOLENCE PREVENTION

As Coordinator of the Office of Violence Prevention (OVP), Kenechukwu (Ken) H. Okwuosa is tasked with developing, overseeing, and coordinating citywide violence prevention initiatives organized through the Department of Community Resilience. OVP’s mission is to decrease firearm-related injury and deaths by advancing and coordinating evidenced-based programming and efforts across city departments, law enforcement agencies, and community-based organizations through a public health and social services approach with a focus on prevention, intervention, and aftercare supports and strategies for individuals, groups, and communities at the highest risk of being affected by gun violence and other violent crimes. Specifically, the OVP coordinator is responsible for leading the City’s P.R.E.S.S. program (Program for Reintegration, Engagement, Safety, and Support), among other initiatives.

Okwuosa has worked with at-risk and underserved youth and adults for over thirty years and brings a holistic approach to the work of violence prevention and a deep commitment to community engagement. Most recently, Okwuosa served as Chief Executive Officer for the Community Care Team (CCT) in East Haven, which provided direct support and services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities who are clients of Connecticut of Department of Developmental Services. Prior to that, Okwuosa worked as a Community Health Organizer for Clifford Beers and as an Adult Probation Officer and Juvenile Detention Officer for the Court Support Services Division of the Connecticut Judicial Branch. Okwuosa received a dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Human Services and in Criminal Justice from Springfield College.

“I am honored to serve as the Coordinator for the Office of Violence Prevention and to work alongside Mayor Elicker, my government colleagues, and our community-based partners in our collective work to help reduce firearm-related injuries and fatalities in our community,” said incoming Coordinator Okwuosa. “As the Coordinator for the Office of Violence Prevention, I am committed to collaborating, listening, and learning through deep community engagement that will help us implement the best strategies to make New Haven a safer place for all. I am excited and looking forward to getting to work”.

The responsibilities of the Office of Violence Prevention were previously assumed by Dijonée Talley, Special Projects Director for the Department of Community Resilience. The Coordinator of the Office of Violence Prevention reports to the Executive Director of the Department of Community Resilience.

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PRESS CONTACT:
Lenny H. Speiller: (203) 725-4249; Lspeiller@newhavenct.gov