Goshen Community Development Director Mark Brinson has been appointed the City’s first Deputy Mayor, and will serve in his new role to provide support in managing mayoral duties.
The Goshen City Council unanimously passed an ordinance establishing the position during their regular meeting Tuesday, August 3. Brinson was formally appointed Monday, August 16.
“Mark Brinson has just been a phenomenal asset to the City of Goshen,” Mayor Jeremy Stutsman told Council members. “Mark has been very involved in the development end of things, and over the last couple of years he’s been actually working on pieces that aren’t necessarily part of his job, so this title better suits for what he has been doing.”
Mayor Stutsman added that the new role would not take him away from his duties as Mayor of Goshen.
“I want to be very clear to the public and our community and council members; this isn’t pulling me out of those scenarios. I respond to phone calls and emails and letters every single day; I’m still going to be doing that,” Mayor Stutsman said, adding he also will continue to engage with neighborhood associations, business owners and developers.
Along with the new position, the mayor will be restructuring the Department of Community Development. Prior to the creation of the Director of Community Development position in 2008, the City had a Building Commissioner and a Redevelopment Director.
When the positions became vacant, the City did not fill them due to economic concerns as a result of the Great Recession. The new changes will move the Assistant Building Commissioner and Redevelopment Project Manager to fill the Building Commissioner and Redevelopment Director positions.
Myron Grise will be promoted to the position of Building Commissioner, and Becky Hutsell will be promoted to the position of Redevelopment Director. Their current roles will not be filled.
The Community Development Director position will not be filled, as Brinson will continue to take on Community Development duties along with projects helping the mayor.
“It’s an honor to be asked to serve as Goshen’s first Deputy Mayor,” Brinson said. “Working for the city has always been a privilege and I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside Mayor Stutsman and the entire Goshen team in my expanded role.”
Brinson has been a champion for the community of Goshen, developing areas of the city into quality of life projects for all residents to enjoy since his hiring in 2008.
“I’m proud of the fact that Goshen has become a model community for social equity, environmental sustainability and economic growth. As Deputy Mayor, I look forward to building on our strong reputation as a great place to live, work and visit.”