Erie County Executive-Elect Chris Collins has announced five key appointments to his administration:

• Deputy County Executive – Mark Davis
• Director of Six Sigma – Alfred Hammonds, Jr
• Director of Budget & Management – Beth Kornbrekke
• Commissioner of Parks & Recreation – James Hornung, Sr.
• Commissioner of Health – Dr. Anthony Billittier

“I promised Erie County taxpayers I would hire only the best and brightest for jobs within my administration,” said Collins. “The appointments I am making today honor that promise and my goal to bring true professionalism and high quality to Erie County government. In filling these key roles, I have appointed five professionals with an incredible amount of skill, energy and talent to work on behalf of Erie County taxpayers.”

“This first round of appointments reflects my approach to hiring,” said Collins. “I am committed to bringing people with private sector experience into government. My administration will also continue to look to promote strong candidates from within, and retain commissioners and department heads with a strong record of success and accomplishment.”

CLICK THROUGH FOR BIOS OF EACH APPOINTEE AND VIDEO OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE

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