SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The City of Syracuse has officially named it “night mayor.”
On Friday, Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens announced the appointment of Dre’chir Whitfield as Nightlife Coordinator in the City’s Department of Neighborhood & Business Development. Whitfield previously served as a wedding planner and coordinator in Las Vegas.
The city said Whitfield will be responsible for “supporting safe, vibrant and well-maintained commercial and mixed-use districts across the city, with a focus on Downtown and areas with active nightlife.” She will also “engage with business and property owners, nightlife operators and community partners, serving as a liaison for district needs.”
Statement from Mayor Owens:
I am thrilled to welcome Dre’chir and look forward to the experience and knowledge she will bring to the areas of Syracuse she will support. This position was created to support the efforts at the intersection between entrepreneurship, nightlife, public safety, and public arts. As an entrepreneur herself with a strong background in the hospitality industry, I am confident that she will serve as the vital liaison needed to connect and advance all of these areas.
The city has weighed hiring a person in charge of Syracuse’s nightlife for months. Mayor Owens first mentioned the position during her inaugural State of the City Address on Jan. 29. At the time, Owens said, “We want that nightlife to be vibrant, eclectic and safe.”
Applications for the job were accepted through May 19. At the time, the city’s job listing said the position would pay an annual package of $67,750 to $72,000.
Owens said the nightlife coordinator would be responsible for growing on the foundation that her predecessor, Mayor Ben Walsh, built for the city’s after-dark venues. City officials believe the role could introduce new ideas for nighttime activities, catering to a diverse audience.
Mayor Owen’s office said Whitfield brings “extensive experience” in building relationships with nightlife operators, businesses and community stakeholders and in event coordination.
