Jane Glover Named Finizio's Chief Administrative Officer [VIDEO]

Mayor-elect Daryl Finizio announced tonight that he is appointing Jane Glover, former mayor and current director of the , as his chief administrative officer.

The position, also referred to as the chief of staff, will assist the mayor with administrative duties in the municipal government.

Finizio said he wanted to complement the professional skills he believes he brings to the office by bringing in someone with depth and experience in the community. He said he and Glover share similar policies and ideas on administration, and that Glover was his first choice for the job.

“She brings to this position a wealth of knowledge not only about administration, but about our diverse community and also about the extensive political history of the city of New London,” said Finizio.

Glover said she was surprised and humbled by the offer, and that she believes in inclusion and treating all people fairly. She said she also thinks the position will reflect positively on the community.

“That’s what I’m hoping to encourage, by not only supporting the mayor’s vision but being a visual example to young people that you too can stand here in 10, 20, 30 years,” said Glover.

Glover said she thinks there is much work to be done in the city, and that she is honored to be a part of it.

“I’m looking forward to working with him,” said Glover. “I think he’s really good for the city of New London.”

Glover earned a master’s degree in library science from the University of Rhode Island and served as the government relations coordinator for the Connecticut Education Association. She also served as a Democrat on the Board of Education and City Council, including three terms as ceremonial mayor.

Jane Bernoudy, a part-time programmer at the Kente Cultural Center, will be filling in for Glover as an interim director.

Finizio has yet to appoint someone to the office of assistant to the chief of staff. Zak Leavy, a student at Eastern Connecticut State University, is serving as the executive assistant to the mayor during but has not decided whether to stay on beyond that point.

"I think it's very helpful to make this appointment at this time, because it will help make the rest of the transition smoother," said Finizio.

Finizio said he will be making additional appointments later this week.