WESTFIELD – Mayor Daniel M. Knapik introduced his nominee to replace City Advancement Officer Jeff Daley this morning at the Chamber of Commerce Annual St. Patrick’s breakfast.
Knapik introduced Joseph Mitchell of 153 Munger Hill Road as his candidate to take that post when Daley leaves office later this month for a job in the private sector.
Knapik will present Mitchell’s nomination to the City Council on the agenda of its Thursday meeting. Typically, nominations are referred to the council’s Personnel Action Committee for further review and to make a recommendation to the full council for action on the nomination.
Mitchell is currently serving as the chairman of the Barnes Regional Airport Commission and is a Veterans Service Officer with the city’s Veterans’ Department.
Daley submitted his resignation in early February to take an executive position as Director of Development with a Springfield construction company which constructs retail buildings and restaurant, as well as commercial office complexes.
Daley said his resignation is effective on March 21, 2014. The post was advertised from Feb. 14 through Feb. 17 as the search to select a successor was initiated. Seven candidates submitted applications for the post.
The posting sought candidates who would be responsible for planning strategies to attract new businesses and encourage expansion and retention of existing business to promote a stronger economic base for the city.
The person appointed will report directly to the mayor and would work cooperatively and effectively with elected officials, businesses, developers and the public.
Application qualifications call for Bachelor’s degree with emphasis on business development; five years of public sector experience in economic development or a minimum of 10 years of business development experience or governmental economic program management experience.
The posted salary range is $55,000 t0 $75,000, dependent on experience.
Daley said that he hoped the process of identifying his replacement would be completed quickly to allow time for a transition with the candidate.
“I’d like to get someone on board before I leave to ensure a smooth transition of ongoing projects,” Daley said in February when announcing his resignation.
Mitchell, if confirmed by the City Council, will also be nominated by Knapik to assume duties as the executive director of the Westfield Redevelopment Authority which has several on-going projects including the Elm Street commercial building project, as well as development of the Airport Industrial Park and the Turnpike Industrial Park. That appointment would be made by the WRA members.
Mitchell’s confirmation by the City Council could occur at the April 3, 2014 session.
