O’Connor appointed commissioner of finance for City of Syracuse

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the appointment of Brad O’Connor as the City’s new commissioner of finance.

O’Connor — who currently serves as deputy commissioner of finance — replaces current Commissioner David DelVecchio.

DelVecchio is retiring from the position at the end of June after a more than 37-year career with the City, per a Wednesday news release.

Walsh also announced that Syracuse is opening a search to hire a new director of the Office of Management and Budget to replace the retiring director, Mary Vossler.

In naming O’Connor commissioner of finance, Walsh highlighted his experience as deputy commissioner during the past seven months.

“Brad has made an immediate positive impact on the City. In particular, he’s helping us manage the extraordinary impact on revenue of COVID-19. He’s worked closely with Commissioner DelVecchio and is prepared for a smooth transition,” said Walsh.

About O’Connor

O’Connor has more than 15 years of experience in financial management and public accounting, including significant experience in the municipal and private sectors. Most recently, he was director of finance for ChaseDesign, where he led advancement and efficiency initiatives for six years. Under his direction, the Fortune 500 advertising company experienced record growth and profits.

He has held accounting positions in firms such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP; Firley, Moran, Freer & Eassa, CPA, P.C.; and Testone, Marshall & Discenza, LLP.

About DelVecchio and Vossler

DelVecchio joined the City of Syracuse in 1983. In addition to financial roles in the city auditor’s office and department of neighborhood and business development (NBD), DelVecchio also served as commissioner of the department of public works for four years.

Vossler has been director of the City’s Office of Management and Budget since 2011. Prior to that, she served one year as CFO of NBD. She will retire in July.

Syracuse is immediately beginning a search for a new director of the Office of Management and Budget. The position is responsible for planning and administering the annual city budget, overall financial analysis, the six-year capital improvement plan and multi-year financial forecasts. Duties also include work with the City’s department of purchase, which entails preparing specifications for contracts, conducting competitive bidding, and managing city contracts.

Interested candidates can send their résumé and a cover letter to: personnel@syrgov.net.