Mayor Announces Executive Staff Appointments

Mayor Steve Bach announced four appointments for the City of Colorado Springs on Wednesday.

The new appointments of Chief of Economic Vitality & Innovation, Chief of Staff/Chief Administrative Officer, Fire Chief, and Deputy Chief of Staff will be effective on January 1, 2012.

Steve Cox is appointed to the position of Chief of Economic Vitality & Innovation. Cox has served as the Inaugural Chief of Staff since June 2011 and prior to this appointment, twice served as Interim City Manager. Cox, a Colorado Springs native, was also Fire Chief from 2008 to 2010. In his new role as Chief of Economic Vitality & Innovation, he will head the City administration efforts to stimulate job creation and advance innovation within our government. Cox will also serve as Vice-chair of Mayor Bach’s executive team.

Laura Neumann is appointed to serve as Chief of Staff/Chief Administrative Officer. Neumann will oversee the City’s general staff working closely with the newly appointed Deputy Chief of Staff and all Department Heads. Neumann brings 24-years in management experience to this COS/CAO position. She was most recently General Manager of Benchmark Hospitality International’s Cheyenne Mountain Conference Resort. Laura will also serve on Mayor Bach’s executive team.

The City’s new Fire Chief is Richard Brown who is currently serving as the Interim Fire Chief. Chief Brown started his career with the Colorado Springs Fire Department in 1980. He worked his way up through the ranks from firefighter, paramedic, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, to Deputy Chief of Operations. Chief Brown also worked assignments in the Operations Division, Medical Division, and Training Division.

Nancy Johnson, who will report to Laura Neumann, has been appointed Deputy Chief of Staff and Parks Director. Johnson joined the City of Colorado Springs as Assistant City Manager in 2008 and was most recently Director of Parks, Planning and Public Works. Her 34 year career in public service ranges from parks and budget analysis to intergovernmental relations.

Annual salaries:

Rich Brown, $130,000

Steve Cox, $182,000

Nancy Johnson, $147,000

Laura Neumann, $165,000