Fresno mayor’s chief of staff is leaving. His replacement is no stranger to City Hall
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer on Thursday announced a switch-up in his chief of staff.
Political consultant Tim Orman will leave his post as Dyer’s chief of staff on Jan. 31. Orman first started in the role under former Mayor Lee Brand five years ago.
“I can say with absolute certainty that it has been an amazing journey,” Orman said. “And it is now also time for me to start another new career that once again uses everything I have learned up to this point.”
City leaders didn’t reveal what Orman’s next venture would be.
Orman was a key player in bringing a new ownership group to the Grizzlies and working with The Gap to sell 5 acres of property near the airport for $1, so the city could build a new animal shelter. He also helped city leaders navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to reduce homelessness by purchasing motels as temporary shelters. He also played the part of liaison between the mayor’s office and city councilmembers.
“Tim has been a valuable team member who has facilitated many deals that truly benefit Fresno,” Dyer said. “He has also been a tremendous resource in helping me transition into this role. I will miss him and wish him the best in his new venture.”
Orman worked for years as a Republican political consultant before taking his post at City Hall. He also worked for the mayoral campaigns of both Brand and Dyer.
A familiar face to City Hall will replace Orman: Kelli Furtado.
“Kelli is a dynamic, intuitive leader who has the skill set required to navigate the responsibilities of this role,” Dyer said. “She is proactive and operates at the pace necessary to accomplish our administration’s priorities and initiatives.”
Furtado previously served as deputy chief of staff for former Mayor Ashley Swearengin. She was the assistant director of planning and development under the Brand administration. She most recently worked as the assistant director of strategic initiatives for the Fresno Housing Authority.
“I am deeply committed and excited to become a valuable member of the mayor’s talented team, as well as a resource to those we work with, and those we serve,” Furtado said.
This story was originally published January 13, 2022 at 2:44 PM.