Jamestown’s new Director of Development is now officially on the job. Former city councilman Vince DeJoy was sworn in last night during the Jamestown City Council’s monthly voting session, following a reading of his letter of resignation from the council.
- LISTEN TO MEDIA INTERVIEW WITH MAYOR TERESI AND DEJOY
Monday night was the culmination of nearly three weeks of preparation for DeJoy, who was announced as Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi’s selection to be the next development director. Speaking with reporters, DeJoy said Monday was his first day on the Job and he’s ready to hit the ground running.
“I spent the morning trying to get to know what [the staff] is working on and what they do. I’ve been thoroughly briefed in the past as to what projects they are working on, so I had my opportunities to ask some questions on it and what their priorities are and how they are tackling their many challenges to work through each day,” DeJoy said, adding, “I think the relationship has started off wonderfully between myself and the staff and I’m very excited to be working with some very talented and extremely experienced people.”
When DeJoy was announced as the mayor’s choice as the new city development director, he pledged to usher in a new era of collaboration in the city. Last night, DeJoy said he already has reached out to some of the local agencies and organizations in the area and will continue to do so in the coming weeks and months.
“I think some of our economic development partners, such as with the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation – Mr. Lombardi and his staff. Also as the mayor mentioned, I met today with the Empire State Development Corporation. I’ve had several meetings so far with [Chautauqua County] IDA members Mr. (Rich) Dixon and Mr. (Bill) Daly and I met with County Executive (Greg) Edwards. I am just so excited because they’ve been enthusiastic. They know me and I think they know that I am very sincere and passionate about Jamestown and Chautauqua County.”
The position of city development director is an unpaid position in Jamestown government. However, the director of development has also traditionally been the same individual who serves as Secretary of the Jamestown Urban Renewal Agency – which is a paid position. DeJoy was already approved to be the next secretary of the agency during a meeting on Feb. 7.
DeJoy will replace former city Development Director Steve Centi, who announced his retirement at the beginning of the new year.
The Jamestown City Council voted 7 to 1 in favor of accepting the appointment of DeJoy as city Development Director, with councilwoman Kim Ecklund (R-At Large) voting against it.
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