Mayor Bibb's chief of staff Bradford Davy resigns
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb is reshaping his inner circle as he enters his second term, with chief of staff Bradford Davy resigning and two senior aides elevated to top leadership roles.
Why it matters: Davy has long been Bibb's No. 2 at 601 Lakeside, a trusted advisor on policy and strategy since the 2021 campaign — and a close personal friend to boot.
What we're hearing: His departure is not a surprise. Davy had long been upfront about his plans to move on after Bibb's first term.
- But his departure is nevertheless the latest in a string of high-profile exits.
Flashback: Chief of integrated development Jeff Epstein left the city in September to take over as president and CEO of the Port of Cleveland.
- And Alyssa Hernandez, the director of community development, resigned abruptly in November without explanation.
Stunning stat: Of Bibb's first six cabinet hires in 2022, only two remain: chief operating officer Bonnie Teeuwen and director of building and housing Sally Martin O'Toole.
State of play: Davy will remain with the administration in an advisory role through March, to assist with the transition and wind down key initiatives.
What they're saying: "Brad isn't just a top advisor — he's family. A brother," Bibb wrote in a Facebook post.
- "Someone who believed before it was safe, who chaired our upstart 2021 campaign, and who stood shoulder to shoulder with me through every high, every hard moment, and every big decision."
What's next: With Davy's departure, deputy chief of staff Ryan Puente will become chief of staff, and senior advisor Jessica Trivisonno will become deputy chief of staff and chief strategy officer.
- Puente, who managed Bibb's 2021 campaign and has served as chief of government affairs, will oversee day-to-day operations and coordinate work across city departments.
- Trivisonno has been Bibb's point person on lakefront development. In her expanded role, she'll lead strategic planning while continuing to oversee large-scale initiatives.