Mayor-elect Carmella Mantello announces transition team; Seamus Donnelly named deputy mayor
The Troy Record / Nov. 20, 2023
TROY, N.Y. — Republican Troy Mayor-elect Carmella Mantello announced appointments to her transition team and named Seamus Donnelly to be her deputy mayor.
Former Troy Mayor Harry Tutunjian, the last Republican mayor in Troy in 2011, has agreed to serve as the transition’s honorary chairman. Also, Don Fane, president, Callanan Industries [former HVCC Trustee]; Roger Ramsammy, Ph.D, president, Hudson Valley Community College, and Tracy Connolly, general counsel, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 158, have all agreed to serve as co-chairs.
“I am so honored to be joined by these tremendous leaders of our community to help set a new course for Troy. I look forward to working with them as we embark on a mission to build a stronger, more vibrant future for our city – in all of our neighborhoods. Their dedication and insight will play a pivotal role in shaping our administration and guiding our vision for progress,” Mantello said in a news release issued Monday morning.
According to the news release, Donnelly has worked at Northeastern Insurance for 8 years as a lead broker managing an almost $3 million book of business with thousands of clients. A lifelong Troy resident, Seamus, currently lives downtown with his husband Jonathan and their dog Rockwell. He is on the board of the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District where he has pushed tirelessly for cleaner and safer streets, He also serves on Troy’s Little Italy Quality of Life Committee which focuses on revitalizing the neighborhood, especially the Historic Hill Street Market Place. Seamus helped plan South Troy National Night Out, Pride Night Out, Market Holiday lights, Stonewall 50th Anniversary Sidewalk Art Project, and more.
“People put their trust in me to protect their families and businesses from the unforeseen. It’s a demanding job which has prepared me for this new role as deputy mayor,” Donnelly said in the release. “I love Troy so much and when Mayor-elect Mantello asked me to be the person to execute her vision for Troy, I just couldn’t say no. I’ve worked with Carm on so many initiatives over the years and I believe in her vision and energy for our hometown. I’m honored to be selected by the hardest working public servant I’ve ever met and the first woman mayor.”
“Seamus has always been one of our city’s biggest promoters and I am excited to bring his knowledge, judgment, and boundless energy with me to City Hall in January,” Mantello added.
Mantello said the transition team’s efforts will mirror the main priorities of her campaign: Public safety, quality of life, government transformation, infrastructure and jobs, and workforce development. She will also have committees focused on the city budget, the inauguration, and personnel recruitment.
“I know the incredible importance of a seamless transition and I am honored to lead this effort on behalf of Mayor-elect Mantello. We look forward to charting a course for Troy’s continued progress,” Tutunjian said in the release.
Others on the transition team also commented on the process of helping the city’s first female mayor. Mantello will take office Jan. 1.
“Contributing to our city’s transition committee is not just an honor; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of Troy’s economic landscape and prosperity. I thank Mayor-elect Mantello for the opportunity to help lead this important effort,” Fane said in the release.
“Hudson Valley Community College, founded in Troy over 70 years ago, is a leader in providing educational and workforce opportunities for all. I thank Mayor-elect Mantello for asking me to join the transition and look forward to collaborating with the other members and the broader community to usher in a new and vibrant administration,” Ramsammy commented.
”I’m proud to help lead this transition committee which welcomes and respects the diverse perspectives necessary to address the unique needs of our city. I thank Mayor-elect Mantello for the opportunity and look forward to working with members of the community to build a smart, lean, and effective administration,” Connolly added.
Transition Team Members
Gabrielle “Gabby” Basile – lifelong Troy resident and concerned kother
Tony Buchanan – owner, Jimmy’s Pizzeria in Lansingburgh
Sam Chiappone – co-chair of the Little Italy Quality of Life Task Force
Olivia Clemente – executive director, Downtown Troy Business Improvement District
Andrea Fairhurst – Lansingburgh School Board president
Latasha Gardner – CSEA Region 4 PAC chair
Jordan Hartsfield – high school representative
Mack & Joycelyn Henderson – president and fundraising secretary, respectively, Troy Central Little League
Frank Laposta – former Troy City Council president, Troy business owner
Amy LaFountain – executive director, Joseph’s House & Shelter
Michael Manupella – executive director, Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club
Richard “Buddy” McAvoy – retired deputy chief, Troy Police Department
Jeff Pasinella – head football coach, Lansingburgh High School
Kevin Pryor – president, Troy Look
Anne Rounds – Troy School Board president
Tom Sanzone – retired Troy High School Teacher; board member, Mt. Ida Preservation Association
Brian Sano – president, Frear Park Conservancy; National Grid regional executive
Jim Scully – owner, Bacchus Wood-Fired Pizza; downtown neighborhood representative
Eric Wisher – president, Troy Uniformed Firefighters Association