CLEVELAND — Cleveland Mayor-elect Justin Bibb announced the selection of four cabinet positions for his incoming administration. 

What You Need To Know

  • Justin Bibb will become Cleveland’s next mayor in January

  • Bibb made his first four picks for his new cabinet

  • The positions were among several posted on Bibb’s website

  • Among the picks, Ryan Puente, a former director at the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, served as Bibb’s campaign manager

Bibb, who will replace Mayor Frank Jackson in January, selected Mark Griffin as the chief legal counsel, Sarah Johnson to chief communications officer, Paul Patton as chief human resources officer and Ryan Puente to the post of chief government affairs officer. Bibb said the four will take the oath of office Jan. 3. 

Bibb noted that the director of human resources has been elevated to a cabinet-level position and that his office will separate the roles of chief of communications and chief of government affairs.

“This is an exciting time for our City and I am very pleased with the team we are building to lead Cleveland. These top-level professionals all have exceptional qualifications, but even more importantly, they share our values of an inclusive, open, modern city hall that puts people first,” Bibb said in a statement.

The four positions were among several Bibb posted on his campaign website. The incoming mayor is still seeking other cabinet posts, including the directors of finance, economic development, building and housing, and community development. He is also still seeking a special assistant, chief administrative officer, chief operating officer and chief of integrated development. 

Among the selections, Bibb chose his campaign manager Puente to the role of chief government affairs officer. Puente was previously the executive director of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party. 

Full bios of the appointees are on Bibb’s website.

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