Hogsett takes office, appoints key staffers

The general counsel of the Indy Chamber will leave that organization to become the deputy mayor for economic development for Democrat Joe Hogsett, who took over as the Indianapolis mayor on New Year's Day.

Angela Smith Jones also served as the chamber’s director of public policy. Hogsett said in a statement that Jones “will use her unique set of skills to promote responsible growth in our community and help foster local innovation.”

Hogsett announced several other appointments on the eve of his swearing in. He made Thomas Cook, who ran his campaign and worked for Hogsett when he was U.S. attorney, as his chief of staff. Cook has also served as deputy chief of staff for the city of Lawrence.

Fady Qaddoura, who most recently served a senior manager for the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, will be the city controller.

Hope Tribble will be director of audit and performance. She previously served as chief financial officer for USA Track & Field Inc. before opening her own small business to advise businesses and nonprofits on budget and financial procedures.

Andrew Mallon, an attorney at Drewry Simmons Vornehm LLP where he provided counsel and representation to government agencies including the Marion County Election Board and City-County Council, will be the city’s corporation counsel. Mallon previously served as director of the Marion County Election Board and assistant corporation counsel for the city of Indianapolis.

Ahmed Young, a former teacher, will be the director in the Office of Education Innovation. He’s also served as a deputy prosecutor and a lawyer in private practice with a specialization in litigation and education issues.

“I am proud these talented professionals have chosen to share their expertise with the city of Indianapolis,” Hogsett said in a statement. “Together, they represent decades of valuable experience that will prove crucial as we tackle serious challenges in the days and months ahead.”

Hogsett appointed Faegre Baker Daniels attorney Timothy Moriarty to serve as special counsel to the mayor. In addition, Taylor Schaffer, who most recently worked at Indianapolis-based advertising agency Young & Laramore, will be the administration’s communications director.