New London — Mayor Michael Passero on Friday announced the appointment of New London native Felix Reyes as the city’s new director of development and planning.
Reyes will replace Tammy Daugherty who departed in January and led a department responsible for coordinating the planning, land use, community development, building, real estate and economic development operations of the city. Reyes will be responsible for making policy recommendations to various boards and commissions with a focus on long-term strategies to attract new business, retain key partners and spur growth, Passero said.
Reyes, whose most recent job was as a senior project manager for the Chicago-based development and construction management firm LendLease, will earn a negotiated salary of $115,000. He is expected to start on Wednesday.
“I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity to put my experience managing large development projects to work in order to give back to the community and serve the people of New London,” Reyes said in a prepared statement.
Passero said Reyes was one of 15 applicants to apply for the position, a mayoral appointee.
“It was very encouraging to see the experience level and quality of applicants interested in working for the city of New London at an exciting time,” Passero said.
Reyes is a 1999 New London High School graduate who earned a degree in architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology and spent 15 years in the private sector working in executive project management roles with companies that have included Jones Lang LaSalle, Citizens Financial Group, Antinozzi Associates and Barun Basu Associates, among others.
A statement from the city lists one of Reyes’ more notable development projects as a new build-out of over 300 restaurants for Yum Brands, managing the renovation and development of 50 Citizens Bank retail branches and serving as a project manager and architectural designer to complete capital improvements to the Merit 7 Corporate Office Park in Norwalk.
Reyes lives in the Trumbull area with his wife. His parents still live in New London.
“Felix really impressed us with his ability to think through a project in order to create a successful strategic plan,” Passero said in a statement. “In addition to his thorough knowledge of municipal development, urban planning, and transportation-oriented development, Felix has a strong commitment to public service and desire to give back to the community where he grew up.”
As an architectural apprentice, Reyes volunteered for New London Landmarks, Downtown Main Street and the New London Historical Society.
“I’ve been fortunate in my life to have the opportunity to focus on smart development while working on exciting projects that vary from high-end development to historic preservation,” Reyes said.
“Having grown up in New London, I know firsthand how many people are committed to making the story of New London a successful one of renovation and rebirth. As we continue to build on the achievements and progress of this administration, I am honored to serve as the new architect of New London’s vision and growth,” Reyes said.