SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 11, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) — Salt Lake City Mayor-elect Jackie Biskupski has selected her chief of staff.
Biskupski announced Salt Lake County township executive Patrick Leary will become her chief of staff when she takes office on Jan. 4, 2016. Leary will also serve as the chief of staff for the remaining transition period.
“Patrick’s more than 20 years of experience in public administration, his wealth of knowledge in local government, deep commitment to accessible and transparent government, combined with our shared belief that public service is a calling that requires a high degree of professionalism and humility, make him the perfect fit for the role of chief of staff in my administration, Biskupski said, in a prepared statement.
“I have known Patrick both professionally and personally, and know he will bring a high level of competence and professionalism, along with an understanding that the needs of the people and a desire to humbly serve them must always be at the core of every decision we make.”
Leary has spent his professional career working in local government, administering large organizations such as the Office of the District Attorney, the Salt Lake County Clerk’s Office, as well as serving as associate director for the Administrative Services Department and director of the Public Works Department of Salt Lake County.
In January 2013, Mayor Ben McAdams appointed Leary as the first township executive, responsible for providing municipal services to the 160,000 residents living in the unincorporated areas of the County.
In his role as township executive, Leary has spearheaded economic revitalization efforts, parks and green-space improvements, enhanced transportation planning, as well as tackling tough problems like health, safety and community development.
“I am humbled at the opportunity to serve Mayor-elect Biskupski and to help implement her vision for Salt Lake City,” Leary said of the announcement.
“Throughout her career Jackie has always prioritized people and fought to bring voice to those who have been underrepresented. We have already seen that commitment from her as Mayor-elect, and I am looking forward to working with her as she continues that mission as mayor of our capital city.”
Patrick is originally from Salt Lake City and continues to live in the city with his wife, Amy, and their two children.
