More Peduto staffers announce departures

Three more senior administration officials on Thursday announced they would be leaving Pittsburgh government jobs ahead of Mayor-elect Ed Gainey taking office next week.

Lindsay Powell, who serves as Mayor Bill Peduto’s assistant chief of staff and policy director, began working for the city in 2017 as a policy analyst. She was promoted to assistant chief of staff in 2018.

Powell directed the mayor’s policy agenda regarding gender equity, LGBTQIA+ community affairs, housing, immigrant and refugee affairs and financial empowerment. She also spearheaded efforts to reform the city’s land bank and recycling initiatives.

Powell also served on the Urban Redevelopment Authority board.

In January, she will leave city government to join InnovatePGH as its workforce strategies director.

“Lindsay has been one of my most trusted senior advisors over the past several years,” Peduto said. “Her leadership working with youth, food security, housing policy, equitable development and so much more has left a positive impact on Pittsburgh that will be felt for generations to come.”

James Hill, Peduto’s executive assistant, also announced he will be leaving city government. He joined Peduto’s administration in November 2015.

The City of @Pittsburgh has given me everything. My life, my education, my drive, & my passion.

Serving it these past two terms has been the honor of a lifetime. I’m thankful to Mayor @billpeduto for the opportunity & to everyone who has put up with me along the way. pic.twitter.com/FhLSyXCuoH

— James Hill (@JamesAustinHill) December 30, 2021

The lifelong Pittsburgh resident previously worked in Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle’s office.

As Peduto’s executive assistant, Hill offered on-site support for all events the mayor attended, managed the city’s social media accounts and branding standards and coordinated special events in the city, including Christmas celebrations at the City-County Building and the city’s Independence Day events.

Hill served as a board member for Pittsburgh’s Historic Review Commission and the Pittsburgh Marathon.

He will begin a new position as the director of constituent services for the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership in January.

“James has been by my side every day for the past eight years,” Peduto said. “He has not only supported me personally, but has always put the city of Pittsburgh first. His passion for the history of the city, architecture of Pittsburgh and official protocols and practices helped to beautify our great city.”

Alaa Mohamed, who has served as a policy coordinator for the Peduto administration since 2019, will also be leaving city government. She provided general support to the mayor’s policy team, with a particular focus on immigrant and refugee affairs.

Mohamed worked to create the new Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs and helped to provide direct financial assistance to immigrants and refugees during the covid-19 pandemic.

In January, she will join the Department of Innovation and Performance as the senior civic innovation specialist, focusing on inclusive innovation in the city.

“Alaa has poured her heart and soul into making Pittsburgh a more welcoming and inclusive city for all,” Peduto said. “Thanks to her work, Pittsburgh has become a national leader in providing support to new Americans in our community.”