JEFF DALEY
WESTFIELD – City Advancement Officer Jeff Daley said this morning that he has submitted his resignation to take an executive position as Director of Development with a Springfield construction company which constructs retail and restaurant buildings, as well as commercial office complexes.
Daley said his resignation is effective on March 21, 2014 and that he anticipates that the search for his successor will be initiated in the next week to 10 days.
“I’d like to get someone on board before I leave to ensure a smooth transition of ongoing projects,” Daley said this morning. “This was a hard decision, but this opportunity is hard to turn down.”
Daley said that he will continue to work to advance the Elm/Arnold intermodal facility, as well as development of the Airport Industrial Park.
Daley said his successor, nominated by Mayor Daniel M. Knapik and confirmed by the City Council, will also step into his shoes as the Westfield Redevelopment Authority executive director if confirmed by the WRA Board of Directors.
Daley said in his letter of resignation to Knapik that “It is with a heavy heart that I hereby give notice that I will resign from my position as City Advancement Officer effective March 21, 2014 at 5 p.m.”
“Serving your administration, the City Council and, most importantly, the citizens of Westfield has been both an honor and a privilege,” Daley wrote. “In three and a half short years I feel we have accomplished more than in the past 40 years. That being said, there is still much to do and that is why it has been such a hard decision to leave this position.”
“I have accepted a position in the private sector as my skill sets are a perfect match for this position and it will allow me to grow professionally serving an industry that is growing globally,” Daley said. “It is an opportunity that presented itself as one that I could not pass up professionally or personally. “
Daley said that he will continue to pursue acquisition of property in support of the WRA downtown redevelopment.
“I’m waiting for the second and final appraisal of the former Newberry’s property and the Romani Bowling property to begin to discuss purchase options with the Romani family,” Daley said. “I’m hoping to get through most, if not all, of that process before I leave.”
Daley said the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority will acquire the Flahive Building on Arnold Street and initiate the relocation process for businesses and residents.
“The PVTA will be doing that because it has the staff and does those activities on a regular basis,” Daley said.
“As I close, because of this job I remember all the great people that I have met in Westfield that I may never have, all the great projects that you have taken on as priorities in your administration and all the great people that serve the City of Westfield every day,” Daley wrote “Looking to the future I feel proud that I had a small part leaving Westfield in a better way than it was when I started. There are a lot of projects that need to be brought over the finish line and I am excited to watch as you and your teams accomplish that.”
