The City of Traverse City has filled two key leadership positions, appointing Matthew Richmond - who is currently serving as interim police chief of the Traverse City Police Department - as the permanent new police chief and hiring Anne Pagano as the new city engineer.

The city described the hires in a release Thursday as "part of a comprehensive initiative aimed at rejuvenating the leadership team and closing the gap on key leadership positions within the city." Matthew Richmond began his career with the city in 2004. He has been assigned as a detective, promoted to sergeant, detective sergeant, lieutenant, and most recently captain of patrol services before being promoted to interim police chief earlier this year following the retirement of former Chief Jeff O'Brien. In his career, Richmond has also served as school resource officer at Central High School, a crime scene technician, an interdiction team leader, and a motorcycle officer. He holds a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership degree. He officially assumed the role of police chief on October 22, according to the release.

Anne Pagano, the newly appointed city engineer, comes to Traverse City with an extensive background in civil and environmental engineering. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Iowa. She has her professional engineering certificate in three states and brings over 25 years career experience in engineering and infrastructure improvement. She will assume her new role on January 8. Former City Engineer Tim Lodge retired this year.

"Our future is looking brighter with these leaders stepping into their new roles," said City Human Resources Director Kristine Bosley in a statement. "These appointments mark the beginning of a new era of leadership in the city. The selection process was rigorous and thorough, underscoring the city's commitment to finding the best and brightest leaders for our community." Bosley said Richmond "brings a wealth of experience and leadership skills to the Traverse City Police Department. With a distinguished career in law enforcement spanning nearly two decades, he has a proven track record of community engagement, public safety, and organizational excellence. Additionally, we look forward to Ms. Pagano assuming her role as city engineer. We know that she will be successful with her leadership, collaboration, and communications skills.”

The city is working to fill a number of key leadership positions. In addition to Richmond and Pagano, Elizabeth Vogel was recently appointed as the new city manager and will assume that role January 2. Vogel was "consulted and engaged in the naming of the police chief and city engineer," according to the city release. An official swearing-in ceremony for Richmond as police chief will take place Wednesday (November 8) at 1:30pm at the Governmental Center.