Brian Kenner Chosen As New City Manager - News Release

NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
●  7500 Maple Avenue ●  Takoma Park, Md 20912

For more information contact:
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901

May 14, 2013 (4:42 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
The City of Takoma Park Council has selected Brian Kenner, currently the Chief Operating Officer for the Deputy Mayor's Office of Planning and Economic Development for the District of Columbia, to fill the role of Takoma Park’s City Manager.
Mayor Bruce Williams and the Takoma Park City Council seek to leverage Mr. Kenner’s unique background to help push Takoma Park forward. “We believe that Mr. Kenner's strengths in the area of public-private partnerships, budget and finance, and economic development are well suited to provide the City with the leadership needed as we move into the future. Mr. Kenner brings a wealth of experience in the areas of strategic planning, staff relations, and collaboration as well. We believe that his addition will be beneficial for our community.”
Kenner’s work for the District of Columbia has included managing a team that completed the reuse plan for the Walter Reed Army Medical Center site, and similarly, leading a team that developed and implemented a planning/redevelopment framework for the St Elizabeth's East Campus. Kenner also served as the primary liaison for the DC Housing Strategy Task Force which created a five year plan for affordable housing strategy in the city.
Kenner has also worked as a Senior Fund Manager of the Community Investments Group at Fannie Mae; served as Vice President of the Public Institutions Group at Jones Lang LaSalle (specializing in public-private initiatives); as a Manager of the Government Real Estate Advisory Services Consulting Practice at Ernst & Young; and, as a Presidential Management Fellow for the federal government.
When asked about his new position, Kenner is ready to lead. “I am excited to become the City Manager for Takoma Park and to help lead this vibrant and diverse community. My background in city government and the private sector has taught me how important it is to ensure a high quality of living for residents, help businesses thrive, and prepare for a bright future. I look forward to working with community stakeholders and the citizens of Takoma Park.”
Looking ahead to Brian Kenner’s new job as City Manager, Mayor Bruce Williams is optimistic. “Mr. Kenner is an impressive speaker and writer; those who know him well describe him as approachable and patient. We all look forward to working with him in the years ahead as we build on the strong position that the City of Takoma Park is in, while trying to resolve continuing issues and face new challenges.”
After the departure of previous Takoma Park City Manager, Barbara Matthews, in September, Takoma Park Deputy City Manager Suzanne Ludlow served as Acting City Manager. Under her leadership, Takoma Park has continued to thrive. Suzanne Ludlow has been instrumental in the success of many projects, including the budget process for fiscal year 2014. She will continue as Acting City Manager until Mr. Kenner's arrival in June.
Brian Kenner’s salary is set at $167,000 and includes a city car for business and commuting use with 2% match to deferred compensation ($3,340 maximum).