Newly-elected mayor Bob Filner introduced his key staff members Friday morning.
Friday’s press conference was the first time members of the press were formally introduced to the mayor's team and the first time they learned who most of them are.
He called his administration a group of people that reflect the diversity of San Diego, and said this is part of fulfilling his campaign pledge to change the face of City Hall.
Two dozen people stood behind Filner at the press conference. He described them as his "core team,” and they include 13 women and 11 men. He said nearly 90 percent are either women or people of color. However, he said his first requirements for his team were competence, effectiveness, and experience.
“I made a simple campaign pledge that we would change the face of City Hall, bring in the full diversity of the community,” Filner said. “And I think the diversity of this city and this nation is reflected in the staff behind me."
Friday morning's announcements help fan the flames from some early heat via the SD U-T involving Filner's lack of transparency and promptness in revealing his administration.
Staff in the Mayor’s office includes:
Vince Hall, Chief of Staff
Nelson Hernandez, Assistant Chief Operating Officer
Allen Jones, Deputy Chief of Staff
Francisco Estrada, Director of Council Affairs
Irene McCormack, Director of Communications
Donna Frye, Director of Open Government
Lee Burdick, Director of Special Projects & Legal Affairs
Linda Perine, Director of Community Outreach
Mario Lopez Director of Bi-National Affairs
Lea Fields-Bernard, Director of Appointments and Compliance
Willie Blair, Director of Neighborhood Revitalization
Manny Doria, Community Outreach
Bert Luna, Assistant to the Mayor
Brenda Lugo, Director of Scheduling
Rev. John Ringgold, Mayoral Ambassador
Lena’ Lewis, Press Secretary
Steve Hadley, Deputy Director of Open Government
Jessica Gomez, Protocol Officer
Molly Chase, Protocol Officer
Pat Calloway, Executive Assistant to Chief of Staff
Caroline Ledesma, Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
Shalonda Vinegar, Receptionist
Waynee Lucero, Mayoral Assistant
Al Alvarado, Community Outreach
