Treasury administrator tapped as Camden COO

Gov. Corzine last night appointed an interim chief operating officer to run Camden, a selection that was tepidly received by some city officials who praised her financial mind but voiced questions about her abilities in other fields.

Albertha Hyche, a state Treasury Department administrator, will assume the post vacated by Theodore Z. Davis, a former judge and the city's second state-appointed overseer, in his sudden and still-unexplained resignation last month.

Hyche, of Lumberton, has been working at Camden City Hall for nearly two years as the state's Camden team leader, assisting Davis in implementing financial measures, according to Corzine's spokesman. She has 21 years of experience in financial management, the governor's office said last night.

Hyche "has demonstrated the keen insight and financial acumen that makes her a great choice to oversee the immediate operations of the City of Camden," Corzine said in a statement. "Her willingness to take on this tremendous responsibility will provide for a seamless transition until a permanent chief operating officer can be appointed." There was no word on when that would be.

City Council President Angel Fuentes said Hyche was "extremely helpful" in completing the city's budget this year, helping to develop a key model to check spending.

"Before, it was like no one was accountable. You couldn't tell where money was going," he said.

But Fuentes said he would not approve of Hyche's staying on as the permanent chief operating officer.

"I think we need someone who has experience with urban development, experience with legal issues," Fuentes said. "We need someone who understands the culture of our city and the complexities."

In the interim, though, he said, Hyche has an advantage by having a "full understanding of our budget and personnel."

Mayor Gwendolyn Faison reacted similarly, saying Hyche was "very, very competent" in aiding with the city's finances.

"I'm sure if you're smart and brainy on one end, it doesn't take much to transfer that" to other fields, Faison said.

Faison said Davis was a smart man who "shied away from the politics" of the position. She said she hoped Hyche was ready for the full scope of the job.

"You have to be well-rounded, and you have to be concerned with the whole ball of wax," she said.

Davis was paid a yearly salary of $220,000. It was unclear last night how much Hyche will be paid.

Both Faison and Fuentes were unaware of last night's announcement until reached by The Inquirer.

Susan Jacobucci, as director of the state's Division of Local Government Services, was believed to be on track to assume the post.

Hyche worked closely on the budget with the city's business administrator, Christine Tucker, who said she was "very excited" to hear of Hyche's new role.

She said Hyche was a "tireless" worker who was instrumental behind the scenes in ensuring that the city's summer lunch program, which provides meals for eligible children, ran smoothly this year.

"She's learned a great deal about the city in the time that she's worked here. We're lucky that the governor appointed her," she said.