New York and New Jersey - Kathryn Garcia has been nominated as the next executive director for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Garcia currently serves as New York’s director of state operations and infrastructure. Previously, she led operations as New York City’s sanitation commissioner and as chief operating officer at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

Kentucky - Pamela McKnight has been appointed as the first chief artificial intelligence officer for the Louisville Metro Government. McKnight brings nearly three decades of experience leading technical operations. As chief artificial intelligence officer, she will build Louisville’s AI capability by partnering with Metro Technology Services’ data leadership and helping departments pilot and scale practical AI use cases that improve service delivery and day-to-day productivity. 

Arkansas - Suzanne Peyton has been named the next airport director for Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport. Peyton currently serves as interim deputy director and director of properties, planning and development, where she has led construction and modernization efforts since joining the airport’s executive team in 2021. Before her work at the Clinton Airport, Peyton had a 25-year career as an engineer supporting aviation projects nationwide.

Colorado - JB Holston has been selected as the next executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. As executive director, he will help align Colorado’s higher education outcomes with employer needs, and he has stated he will focus on ensuring students gain the skills, experience and training for in-demand, high-paying careers in Colorado’s economy. 

Montana - Alana Lake has been selected as the new city manager for the city of Helena. Lake currently serves as executive director of the Montana Public Service Commission, where she leads agency operations and manages a $6 million budget. Lake brings leadership experience spanning military and federal law enforcement service.

California - Bethany Bezak has been appointed as chief performance and logistics officer for the city of San Diego. Bezak most recently served as director of the city’s transportation department, bringing hands-on experience leading large operational teams and complex service delivery. In her new role, she will drive performance improvement and operational coordination. 

South Carolina - Stewart Jones has been appointed as the new county administrator for Oconee County. As county administrator, he will lead county administration and execute council direction, with a focus on strengthening operational delivery for residents and county stakeholders. 

Michigan - Eric Swanson has been named acting chief information officer for the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. Swanson currently serves as director of the Center for Shared Solutions, where he oversees enterprise service delivery and cross-agency technology partnerships that support Michigan’s departments and external programs.