MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis City Council members are expected to approve the new mayor’s administrative appointments during an executive session Tuesday afternoon.
They include Chief Operating Officer Doug McGowen, Chief Financial Officer Brian Collins, Chief Communications Officer Ursula Madden, Chief Human Resources Officer Alexandria Smith, Director of Fire Services Gina Sweet, Director of General Services Antonio Adams, Director of Housing and Community Development Paul Young, Director of Planning and Developments Richard Copeland, Director of Public Works Robert Knecht, Director of Libraries Keenon McCloy and Executive Director of WIN Kevin Woods.
During a Personnel and Intergovernmental Committee meeting Tuesday morning, Council women Janis Fullilove questioned one of Mayor Jim Strickland’s appointments.
Fullilove said Brian Collins, Mayor A C Wharton’s former Finance Director, wasn’t qualified to become the city’s new Chief Financial Officer.
“Many people knew during budget hearings and during the hearings on health care that he could not answer one question put to him — not one,” said Fullilove.
Fullilove also didn’t agree with some of the high salaries.
Mayor Strickland stood by his appointments saying he had found the best possible people to run the city.
He said while that may have required him to increase some salaries, he is doing more with less.
“As you know we have to fully fund our pension and put some more money into public safety to hire more officers,” said Strickland.
Already, Mayor Strickland cut some positions and eliminated the Music Commission.
Strickland has begun meeting weekly with his new chiefs who will report directly to him.
