Pueblo mayor names new chief of staff

Pueblo Mayor Nick Gradisar named Laura Solano as the new Chief of Staff Friday.

Solano will take over duties for the city government position starting on April 29.

Solano is a Pueblo native who has experience with the Colorado Department of Revenue, Pueblo Community College and CSU-Pueblo. She has also worked with the Colorado State Fair.

Gradisar received 35 applications for the position and felt Solano was the best choice.

“We want to accomplish a lot for the city of Pueblo, and she will play a key part,” Gradisar said.

Another Pueblo native was chosen to fill the position of Director of Finance. Charles Hernandez will take over the new position starting on April 29.

Hernandez was most recently the Chief Financial Analyst at the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

Gradisar also promoted Bryan Gallagher to be the new director of the city Department of Housing and Community Services.

Gallagher has been serving as the interim director for the past year.