Warwick’s Mayor Elect Picozzi Announces Top Staff Appointments
GoLocalProv News Team
Warwick’s Mayor Elect Picozzi Announces Top Staff Appointments
Picozzi was both the overwhelming and upset winner of the Warwick mayor’s race in November beating incumbent Joseph Solomon 59% to 40%.
"I’ve assembled my staff after an exhaustive and extensive recruitment and interview process. I am very confident in their abilities and skill and that their help will be invaluable in my mission to make our city a place that our residents will be proud of," said Picozzi.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTBeing named by Picozzi are:
City Solicitor - Michael Ursillo of Ursillo, Teitz & Ritch, Ltd
With 40 years of municipal law experience including representation of twelve Rhode Island cities and towns on all sides of the political aisle, Mike and the firm have successfully assisted municipalities navigate issues that include labor contract negotiations and grievances; open meeting laws and public records requests; tax revaluations and appeals; code violations, litigation, and other vital municipal issues.
Chief of Staff - Susan Nahabedian Ayrassian
A licensed Rhode Island attorney, Susan most recently held the position of Personnel Director for the City of Cranston and is an Adjunct Faculty Lecturer at Salve Regina University instructing graduate courses in Business Law, Social Justice and Ethics.
Susan earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Rhode Island and a Juris Doctor degree from the New England School of Law. She has completed training in conflict mediation and served as the Chairperson of the Cranston Diversity Commission. She is admitted to the Rhode Island Bar Association and the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Picozzi states “ After several interviews I have become very confident that Susan is a person that I can heavily rely on to help me achieve my goals and visions for the residents of Warwick. She has an outstanding combination of education, experience, and interpersonal skills.”
Office Manager - Arron O’Brien Mackisey
Arron is a graduate of Catholic University of America and is in pursuing his masters in International Affairs at Boston University. He has worked in the offices of Senator Jack Reed, Lt Governor Dan McKee, and Ambassador Jorge Heine. “Aaron will bring a fresh and youthful perspective to my administration” Picozzi said. Mackisey will not only manage the office but be assigned additional duties such as scheduling performing administrative tasks.
Constituent Liaison -Betty Ann Smith
Betty-Ann is currently employed by the city in Senior Services. She had previously served in the role of Constituent Liaison for six years. Picozzi says that “Betty Ann has the knowledge and experience that I need in this role. She will have the key role in my administration dealing with the needs to residents and working to resolve their problems.”
Media Coordinator - Elizabeth Tufts
Elizabeth brings 19 years of journalism experience to Warwick City Hall. She spent the last 10 years at ABC 6 in Providence as an anchor and reporter. Before that she worked at news stations in Lincoln, NE and Springfield, MA. Elizabeth graduated from Emerson College in Boston, MA with a Bachelor of Communications and is the winner of several Associated Press Awards. Besides serving as the chief spokesperson for the Mayor, Elizabeth will continue telling stories throughout the community and keeping the people of Warwick informed daily through audio and video. She will also focus on sharing stories on every platform of social media.
“My goal is to make this city’s government entirely open and transparent to its residents. Elizabeth will be the key to getting the information out to people via the press, and social media. She not only has experience as an anchor and reporter but as a writer and producer as well as vast knowledge of the necessary equipment,” said Picozzi