Fitzgerald Has New Website, Staff Members

When Allegheny County Executive-elect Rich Fitzgerald takes office on Jan. 3, he'll start with a new website and two new staff members.

Amie Downs, who has served as Chief of Staff to State Senator Wayne D. Fontana and has been responsible for communications, legislation and policy for the past six years, will begin Jan. 3 as Director of Communications for the county. Prior to her tenure with the Senator, Amie served as Director of Legislative Services for Allegheny County Council.

Jennifer Liptak will begin Jan. 3 as Chief of Staff to the County Executive.  Since 2004, she has served as County Council’s Budget Director and was responsible for assisting Council in the development of the annual Operating, Capital, Grants, and Special Accounts Budgets. In that capacity, Jennifer also functioned as a liaison to the County Manager’s Office, the Department of Budget and Finance, the Department of Economic Development, and other entities as needed, giving her a strong background for her new role in the County Executive’s Office.

Fitzgerald's transition website, www.richfitzgerald.com, launched Dec. 19 and has information about his Jan. 3 inaugural ceremony and celebration.

“I am very excited about taking the helm as the County Executive,” said Fitzgerald.  “There are so many exciting things going on in our county and we have much to be proud of.  I am looking forward to working with my colleagues at all levels of government, as well as the citizens of this county to continue moving this county forward.”

Fitzgerald will be sworn in at 1:00 p.m. on Jan. 3 at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall.  The inaugural celebration will be held from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. that evening at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in Duquesne, PA.  Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donation to the food bank as their “admission” to the celebration.  More information can be found on the website, where individuals can also RSVP for the inaugural.