City Council appoints deputy city manager to take over helm for outgoing Cox

Newly hired City Manager Katie Ambrose, left, addresses the City Council at Tuesday night's meeting; right Blaine Cox, current city manger who is stepping down July 6. (Ambrose/City Council meeting screenshot; Cox/Rochester Voice file photo)

ROCHESTER - Talk about a smooth transition. Just 13 days after outgoing City Manger Blaine Cox announced his retirement, the City Council appointed Deputy Mayor Katie Ambrose to take over the reins.
Ambrose will begin her new job effective July 4.
Cox, who took over as city manager in April 2018, said Ambrose was an "excellent choice" to take the city's top administrative job.
"Katie has demonstrated strong people skills and communication skills," Cox said in remarks to City Council. "She has earned the trust of city staff."
Ambrose said she looked forward to her new job and thanked Cox for his "mentorship."
"I am honored to serve as city's next city manager, she said.
Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan called Ambrose "competent and smart," and someone who could work with all types of personalities.
Ambrose began her career with the City of Rochester in July 2019 when she was hired as deputy manager and finance director.
City Councilor Dana Berlin was the lone vote cast against her appointment.