After a historic victory on November 4, 2025, becoming Syracuse’s first black Mayor-elect, Sharon Owens announces her transition team.  This team will assist the mayor-elect prioritize elements of her winning platform; and identify new strategies and best practices for efficient and effective public services that benefit Syracuse.

“My campaign’s platform has now become the foundation for my administration’s pillars which will strive to improve the quality of life and human condition of people who live, work and play in Syracuse. I am honored to work with this team of dedicated public and community servants. Together we take the next step in Maximining the Moment and Creating a Movement of collective growth and opportunity for us all.” - Mayor-Elect Sharon F. Owens

The Transition Team co-chairs are:

Bea Gonzales

New York Power Authority Trustee

Bea González, a longtime Syracuse resident and respected civic leader, brings more than 40 years of experience in higher education and public service to Mayor-Elect Owens’ transition team. Born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, she became the first Latina elected to the Syracuse Board of Education in 1991 and later the first Latina president of the Syracuse Common Council in 2001. At Syracuse University, she served as Dean of University College and later as Vice President for Community Engagement, where she championed initiatives that expanded access to education and strengthened community partnerships. González has been recognized with numerous awards for her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to equity and inclusion, and continues to be a powerful voice for collaboration and civic empowerment in Central New York.

“I am honored to join Mayor-Elect Owens’ transition team because I believe this moment is an opportunity to shape a government that truly reflects the voices and aspirations of our community. My commitment has always been to build bridges—between neighborhoods, institutions, and people—and to ensure that equity, inclusion, and civic engagement are at the heart of our city’s future. By working collaboratively, we can lay the foundation for a stronger, more connected Syracuse where every resident feels empowered and will thrive."

Dr. Linda LeMura

President, Le Moyne College

In 2014, Linda M. LeMura, Ph.D. became the first female lay person to become president of a Jesuit institution in the United States. A Syracuse native, under her leadership Le Moyne has achieved extraordinary success, including record-breaking enrollment and philanthropy. During her tenure, President LeMura has launched new academic programs and added more than 20 endowed professorships, chairs, faculty fellowships, and student scholarships. She co-chairs the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) and is actively engaged in strengthening the workforce development strategies for the region's business ecosystem. 

"I'm proud to serve as co-chair of Sharon's transition team, as she prepares to become mayor at this critical time in the city's history," said Le Moyne President Linda LeMura. "Sharon knows the importance of strengthening existing partnerships and collaborating with new organizations, which are both vital to overcoming challenges and seizing on new opportunities."  

Melanie Littlejohn

President & CEO, CNYCF

Melanie Littlejohn is the President and CEO of the Central New York Community Foundation, a nearly century-old public charity dedicated to transforming community resources into meaningful regional impact. She brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience from National Grid, where she served as Vice President of Customer & Community Engagement, overseeing statewide initiatives focused on customer satisfaction, safety, reliability, emergency management, economic development, and corporate social responsibility.

Her professional background also includes leadership roles with the Urban League of Onondaga County and Banker’s Trust Company. She holds an MBA from Syracuse University and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Stony Brook.

A committed civic leader, Littlejohn co-chairs the Micron Community Engagement Committee and serves on several regional boards. Over her career, she has contributed to more than 18 nonprofit boards and advisory groups. She has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Yva Jourdan Foundation’s 2022 Woman of Prestige Award and FOCUS Greater Syracuse’s Wisdom Keeper Award. She is also widely known for her commitment to mentoring emerging leaders.

“I am deeply honored to serve on the Mayor’s Transition Team at such a pivotal moment for our community. This is a time defined by possibility as an opportunity to reimagine what we can achieve together and to build a stronger, more inclusive Syracuse for all who call it home. As we begin this new chapter, I am especially inspired by the leadership of our new Mayor. Her vision, courage, and commitment to our community is tremendous. I am excited to support her as we shape a future rooted in collaboration, innovation, equity and shared purpose.Together, we have the chance to create meaningful, lasting change. I am proud to contribute to this moment and look forward to the work ahead.”

Tim Penix

Vice President, SUNY EOC

For over 25 years, Tim Penix has championed educational access and economic empowerment across Central New York. As Vice President of the Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center, he has transformed the institution into a beacon of opportunity.

His leadership in workforce training, community engagement, and the $42 million EOC renovation reflects a deep commitment to equity. Through roles on statewide councils and Micron’s Community Investment Fund, Tim ensures marginalized voices help shape regional growth.

“I'm honored to help shape Mayor-elect Owens' vision for Syracuse. This historic moment calls for leaders who understand that workforce development, educational access, and community partnership aren't just policies—they're pathways to equity and community prosperity. I'm ready to serve."

Rob Simpson

President and CEO, CenterState CEO

Rob Simpson is president and CEO of CenterState CEO, the region’s leading independent business organization driving inclusive, equitable and sustainable growth in Central New York. He lives in the City of Syracuse with his family, where he’s rooted in the community he serves. Both professionally and personally, Rob champions growth and expands access to opportunity for all.

“I’m honored to join Mayor-Elect Sharon Owen’s transition team and support her historic leadership,” said Rob Simpson, president and CEO of CenterState CEO. “I share her conviction that Syracuse’s best days lie ahead and that our city and its people deserve every opportunity this moment offers. I’m committed to helping realize her vision for equitable, sustainable growth and look forward to working alongside her as this new chapter begins.”

Committee Pillars and Chairperson(s):

Thriving Neighborhoods

Michael Collins

City of Syracuse Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development

Public Safety

Pastor Lateef Johnson-Kinsey

Director of the Syracuse Mayor’s Office to Reduce Gun Violence

GenNEXT

Rasheada Caldwell

City of Syracuse Councilor at Large; Director of Youth & Community Partnerships

Dr. Juhanna Rogers

Senior Vice President of Racial Equity and Social Impact, Centerstate CEO

Indaria Jones Entrepreneur and Program Manager at the Couri Hatchery Business Incubator at Syracuse University

Inclusive Economy

Rickey Brown 

Principle, Diversify NY, LLC; Member, Syracuse Industrial Development Agency (SIDA); Commissioner, Syracuse Housing Authority

Eric Ennis 

City of Syracuse Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development; Executive Director of the Syracuse Industrial Development Agency (SIDA); Executive Director of the Syracuse Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO)

Financial Stability

Corey Williams

Syracuse Common Councilor-at-Large - Finance Committee Chair

Big Things Ahead

Kevin Schawb

Interim Senior Vice President of Strategy, Policy and Planning

Executive Assistance will be provided by Barry Lentz, Ann Messinger 

Information is available at: https://www.owensforsyracuse.com/transition