Collins Appoints Hammonds new Deputy County Executive

July 7, 2008

Davis leaves after firmly establishing business approach to government

Erie County Executive Chris Collins today appointed Alfred Hammonds, Jr. as Deputy County Executive effective August 4, 2008. Hammonds will replace current Deputy County Executive Mark Davis who is leaving after successfully implementing a business focus throughout Erie County government.

"During his private sector career, Mark Davis established himself as a top-rate Chief Operating Officer," said Erie County Executive Chris Collins. "That important skill set is exactly what he brought to Erie County government as Deputy County Executive. Mark has been instrumental in setting the business tone of my administration, and working hand in hand with county commissioners and department heads to manage county business as effectively and efficiently as possible. Mark works very hard on behalf of taxpayers every day and he will be missed."

As Deputy County Executive, Davis initiated a thorough review procedure of all county contracts, spearheaded the administration's new cell phone and take-home vehicle policies, and is working to help negotiate a new parks agreement between the City of Buffalo and Erie County.

"Despite the skeptics, this administration is proving every day that you can run government like a business, and I am proud to be a part of that success," said Deputy County Executive Mark Davis. "When I accepted this post back in December, the County Executive knew my tenure would be short, but that my private sector experience would help this administration start strong and establish a solid foundation for the next three and a half years. I want to thank Chris Collins for this opportunity and I know Al Hammonds will make the taxpayers of this community proud."

Al Hammonds is currently the Director of Six Sigma, a position that was created in January through an efficiency grant from New York State. The key initiative of the Collins' administration, Six Sigma is being implemented in county departments to help cut waste and drive efficiency.

"My long-term goal for the position of Deputy County Executive was to appoint a Six Sigma Black Belt (highest level of Six Sigma training)," said Collins. "Today, I am doing just that. Al's appointment to Deputy County Executive reflects my confidence in his skills and ability, as well as my focus on Six Sigma as the centerpiece of my administration. Al's energy and enthusiasm is apparent and I know employees throughout the county have enjoyed working with him. I am pleased he accepted my offer to become the new Deputy County Executive."

"Beginning to implement Six Sigma in Erie County government has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding jobs of my career," said Hammonds. "I will approach my new responsibilities with the same excitement and drive. My current job has allowed me the opportunity to get to know the county workforce and important responsibilities of each department. Mark Davis will be a hard act to follow, but I want to thank the County Executive for his confidence in me and my ability to continue to reform Erie County government."

Collins and Hammonds will now begin a search for a new Six Sigma Director to assume Hammonds' current duties.