Dec. 19, 2011 – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno today announced the appointment of Kevin E. Kennedy of Springfield as the City's new Chief Development Officer (CDO). Kennedy will manage a consolidated community development department created in 2008 under Springfield’s Finance Control Board. He also will oversee the City’s housing, neighborhood, economic development, code enforcement and planning departments, as well as staffing of the redevelopment and industrial development financing authorities. Kennedy takes over for Christopher J. Moskal who had been serving as Interim CDO since John Judge’s resignation in May 2011.
“Kevin Kennedy is a lifelong Springfield resident who is exceptionally well-suited for the job of CDO,” said Mayor Sarno. “He is a seasoned professional who possesses the knowledge and experience to navigate the economic development waters on the federal, state and local levels as well as with the private-sector.” Kennedy has served as the chief economic development assistant to U.S. Representative Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, since 1989. “Kennedy has displayed effective leadership in advancing several major development projects for the City,” Sarno said, including the $17 million revitalization of Springfield’s State Street Corridor, construction of the new $63 million federal courthouse, reuse of the former federal building in Springfield, and the $110 million redevelopment of the former Technical High School as the state data center. “He was personally involved in the successful execution of these projects and his appointment will ensure that there is no loss of forward momentum. I look forward to having him on board as we continue to build our economic development team and to act aggressively in a challenging economy to make things happen in the City of Springfield.”
Congressman Neal said, "Kevin Kennedy's departure is a bittersweet occasion for me. While I am sad he is leaving my congressional office, the City of Springfield will once again be the beneficiary of his considerable talents. For many years, Kevin has been a trusted, loyal and capable advisor. He is also a good friend. His hard work on the signature economic development projects in Springfield; the State Street Corridor Initiative, the construction of the U.S. Courthouse, the citing of the new state data center, and the creation of the Neal Municipal Operations Center, helped make them all possible. Kevin Kennedy strongly believes in the City of Springfield and knows that its best days are ahead. As he begins a new chapter in his professional life, I wish him nothing but the very best," said Neal.
Sarno also announced that Christopher J. Moskal of Springfield, who has served as interim CDO for the City since Judge’s departure, now will serve as director of the Springfield Redevelopment Authority.
“Chris Moskal has done a tremendous job leading the City’s Economic Development team,” Sarno said, “especially as the City dealt with two major natural disasters – the June 1 tornado and the recent October Nor’easter. I am very happy that he has agreed to take the helm at the SRA as we continue to move forward with vital economic development projects.”
Moskal previously served as executive director of the Springfield Parking Authority.
Sarno said the two appointments underscore his commitment to supporting the City's planning and development functions to ensure that they are optimally configured for maximum effectiveness. "The City's ongoing investment in economic development will pay substantial dividends in terms of increasing development activity, stimulating job creation and expanding our municipal tax base."
Both appointments are effective immediately. Kennedy will earn an annual salary of $125,000.00 and Moskal will earn an annual salary of $97,950.00.
<link fileadmin images-news december kennedy__kevin__letter_from_judge_ponsor_.pdf>View U.S. District Judge Michael A. Ponsor's letter<link fileadmin images-news december kennedy__kevin__letter_from_judge_ponsor_.pdf>.