Charlottesville City Council has selected its six finalists for its vacant seat.
The finalists are:
- Alex Bryant, former executive director of the Ix Art Park Foundation. Currently director of programs for FIRST Chesapeake, a non-profit organization that “brings STEM-based leadership programs to middle and high school students.” Click here to see his application.
- Kathy Galvin, former Charlottesville City Councilor, 2012-2019. See her application.
- Lisa Larson-Torres, Charlottesville City School Board member and former school board president. See her application.
- Natalie Oschrin, former Charlottesville election officer. See her application.
- Leah Puryear, former Charlottesville City School Board member, 2006-2021. See her application.
- Kristin Szakos, former Charlottesville City Councilor, 2010-2017. See her application.
The Council will hold a public hearing on the appointment at its Monday meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m. The six candidates will speak at the hearing, and Council will take comments from members of the public.
Council will privately conduct interviews with the candidates and make a final selection after Monday’s meeting. Members will announce their decision at their Feb. 21 meeting.
The appointee will serve until the end of the year. This appointed position replaces former Councilor Sena Magill, who resigned Jan. 11. A new Council member will be elected in November to begin their term in 2024.
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Here’s more about the Charlottesville City Council’s open seat.
Want to join City Council? This is what Councilors say they’re looking for in an interim member
“I think it will be important to appoint someone who, as much as possible, shares the perspective Sena brought as a City Councilor,” said Councilor Michael Payne.
Charlottesville City Councilor Magill resigns, remaining four members will accept applications to appoint her replacement
The next election to fill the seat will be in November.
City Council is choosing around 5 finalists out of the 20 people who applied to be appointed
The finalists will have time to speak at Monday’s Council meeting.
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