Mayor-elect Lenny Curry announced Monday he’s tapping Kerri Stewart, a former mayoral chief administrative officer and lobbyist, to be his chief of staff.
Curry is also creating a new position — director of blight initiatives, paying $90,000 a year — for City Councilwoman E. Denise Lee, who has led council efforts at tackling blight across the city. Former City Councilman Johnny Gaffney will be Curry’s liaison to boards and commissions.
“As I continue to fill critical staff positions the appointments included in today’s announcement represent a strong level of talent and commitment to the people of Jacksonville,” Curry said in a news release. “Jacksonville has many pressing needs and our team is being assembled to tackle the tough issues, work with all levels of the community and reach for a common goal, make Jacksonville the best city it can be. I am proud of the people who have agreed to join me in our mission to restore Jacksonville’s greatness.”