On Wednesday, Mayor Pedro E. Segarra announced that Saundra Kee Borges, who has been serving as Acting Chief Operating Officer following the departure of David Panagore in August 2012, has been permanently named to the same position. Kee Borges a long-time city resident, previously served the city as Deputy Corporation Counsel and, at 32, was named Hartford’s first female City Manager. Mayor Segarra named Kee Borges Corporation Counsel shortly after he took office in June 2010.
“There is absolutely no doubt that Sandy is qualified to serve as COO. She understands the Capital City and my vision and is supremely prepared to manage day-to-day operations of city government. She is a trusted member of my cabinet, is respected among her peers, and is one of the most thoughtful and analytical individuals I have ever worked with. After carefully observing her over the last several months, I am convinced she is the best person for the job. Under her watch, not one project has been suffered and the City hasn’t missed a beat,” said Mayor Segarra.
Kee Borges is the first African American female to serve as Chief Operating Officer and pursuant to the City Charter; her nomination has been submitted to the City Council for approval.
Mayor Segarra also announced the appointment of former State Representative, Assistant Attorney General, and Gubernatorial candidate Juan Figueroa to Corporation Counsel. Figueroa is the founding president of the Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut, his most recent post held for 9 years. A veteran public policy and civil rights attorney, Figueroa brings a wealth of experience the position of Corporation Counsel.
“Juan is a well-respected, true expert in his field. He has dedicated his career to public policy locally and nationally and has established strong relationships with his peers because of it,” said Mayor Segarra. “The bottom line: Juan is a person who makes things happen, he’s an influential leader and he’ll be a great asset to my administration, residents, Council members and the City of Hartford.”
