"With these appointments, I have an excellent team, one with deep, relevant experience that will help us manage the challenges," Edgerly said.

Audree V. Jones-Taylor, a board member of the volunteer Oakland Parks Coalition, will start as the new director of the Parks and Recreation Department on March 22. Most recently, Jones-Taylor served as a consultant to the parks departments of East Palo Alto, Tampa, Florida, and Dallas. Jones-Taylor replaces Dr. Harry Edwards as parks director.

"The (management) team will be dynamic and cohesive," Brown said.

Brown said the management team would focus on reducing crime and attracting investment to Oakland.

The interim director of the parks department, James Ryugo, will remain with the city but in a different position, officials said.

Cheryl A.P. Thompson, a longtime aide to Edgerly, was named assistant city manager and will oversee personnel management and labor issues while managing the daily affairs of the city.

Thompson had been Edgerly's assistant, and before that worked for her in the Finance and Management Agency.

In addition, William Noland has been named director of Finance and Management after serving in that position on an interim basis for nine months. Noland oversees the treasuries of the city and the Redevelopment Agency.

Noland and Jones-Taylor join several other recently hired department heads. Raul Godinez II took over the Public Works Agency in January.

In other appointments announced Wednesday, former Deputy City Attorney Marcia L. Meyers was named personnel manager, overseeing the city's payroll and employee relations. Meyers most recently worked in Fremont, as a senior deputy district attorney dealing with employee relations.

Edgerly also tapped Robert Glaze to become the city's chief technology officer. Glaze has served in the position on an interim basis for more than a year and will be responsible for upgrades to the city's data management and communications systems and networks.

Brooke Levin has been promoted to interim assistant director for the Maintenance Services Department. Levin will be responsible for the upkeep of streets and sidewalks as well as the city's buildings and vehicles.

The Oakland Tribune: Cityside
Leanne McLaughlin, Managing Editor
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