SYRACUSE — Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner today announced two new members to her cabinet.
Miner has named Robert Stamey as the corporation counsel for the city of Syracuse. He is replacing Mary Anne Doherty, who was elected to serve as a city court judge.
The mayor also named Derrek Thomas as the new director of personnel and labor relations, the role Stamey has held since 2011, Miner’s office said in a news release.
The appointments take effect Jan. 1.
Stamey, 55, first worked as assistant corporation counsel in 1992 and 1993. He then returned to the office in 2005 and specialized in litigation and labor relations.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Syracuse University in 1983 and received his law degree from Syracuse University’s College of Law in 1987.
Miner has been “impressed” with Stamey’s dedication and approach with “every task” he has taken on for the city.
“His experience and interaction with so many areas of city government will help him quickly step in and lead our legal team in the years ahead,” Miner said.
Derrek Thomas, 38, is currently serving in the corporation counsel’s office, where he was assigned to handle the personnel department, the mayor’s office said.
Before joining the Miner administration in 2011, Thomas had previously served as an attorney with Turning Stone Resort Casino, LLC and the Oneida Indian Nation, LLC; the Syracuse law firm of Mackenzie Hughes, LLP; and the New York State Legislative Bill Drafting Commission.
Thomas, 38, earned his undergraduate and law degrees at the University at Albany and Albany Law School, Miner’s office said.
The city’s Department of Personnel & Labor Relations now plays a “key role” in managing the fiscal health of the city as pension and health-care costs have emerged as “vital” issues, Miner said.
“As a city assistant corporation counsel Derrek Thomas is familiar with these important issues and we are fortunate he is ready to step up and lead the department,” Miner added.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com