Erie County Executive-elect Chris Collins has selected Philip C. Ackerman and Philip M. Corwin to co-chair his transition team. Led by Ackerman and Corwin, Collins’ transition team will work closely with the current administration to ensure a successful and smooth transition for the taxpayers of Erie County.

Both Ackerman and Corwin bring a wealth of business experience to the transition process. Ackerman is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of National Fuel Gas Company; Corwin is the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Talking Phone Book, a publication of Hearst Holdings, Inc.

“I am honored that two men of this caliber would take time away from their busy personal and professional lives to help me deliver for the taxpayers of Erie County,” said Collins. “I promised taxpayers that I would run county government like a business, and selecting Phil Ackerman and Phil Corwin to head my transition efforts will allow me to lay the ground work to do just that. I know these two men want only the best for our community and are volunteering their time and talents to help me accomplish my vision for a brighter future in Erie County.”

“Our transition structure will feature an overall Executive Committee led by Co-Chairs Ackerman and Corwin, with a number of working subcommittees mirroring county government functions and my own top priorities of reform and economic development, “ said Collins. “The transition committee will help me recruit the best and brightest for jobs within my administration and also work to identify areas within county government that are most in need of reform. The committee will be made up of people from the business, civic and government sectors.”

“This is an exciting opportunity to help chart a new course for Erie County,” said Ackerman. “The taxpayers of our community voted overwhelmingly for change last week, and this transition committee will work very hard to make sure Chris Collins can bring about that change.”

County Executive elect Chris Collins held his first press conference on the 16th floor of the Rath building after a meeting with current County Executive Joel Giambra, to answer any questions about the transition from the Giambra administration.

As per the county charter, a few positions like Personnel Director will remain on collins staff until there terms expire. He also mentioned that tomorrow he will name the chair people of his transition committee that will soon occupy a 2nd floor office in the rath building.

As for the six sigma black belt nonsense, a few ninja’s have apparently already been in contact with him, but whether it was as consultants or full time hires was unclear. While Collins mentioned some black belts from HSBC and Moog have already contacted him, he said a nationwide search will continue as he finds the bestest, brightest, “colorful” candidates he can find…

Watch the video of today’s Press Conference