Kenney looking nationally for Prisons, Human Services, Fire Dept. chiefs
In the meantime administrators within the Departments agreed to serve as acting commissioners.
Mayor-elect Jim Kenney is conducting a national search for candidates to head three top departments: Prisons, Fire and Human Services.
Kenney said in a statement released by his transition team he had identified "incredible, top-notch talent from right here in Philadelphia to fill many of the administration's top posts. And, we also think it's extremely important to look outside this city and consider what that external perspective could bring."
The national search process has been underway for several weeks and decisions will be made early next year, the release said.
In the meantime administrators within the Departments agreed to serve as acting commissioners.
Mike Resnick, Director of Public Safety under Mayor Nutter, a role which oversees both Public Safety and the Prisons System, will be acting Prisons Commissioner.
Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer will serve as Acting Fire Commissioner. Sawyer is a 30-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Department - the 5th largest fire and emergency services department in the country.
In the Department of Human Services, Jessica Shapiro - Chief of Staff to the current Commissioner, Vanessa Garrett Harley - will serve as Acting Commissioner. Previously Shapiro worked in the City Legal Department and as the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Commissioner for the Children and Youth Services division of Human Services.
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