McDowell leaving Lincoln mayor's office, former chief of staff Rick Hoppe returning
T.J. McDowell, chief of staff for Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, is leaving for "another professional opportunity," and Rick Hoppe will return to the position, which he held under former Mayor Chris Beutler.
Hoppe is the Ralston city administrator, a role he has held for the past five years. He served as chief of staff for Beutler for 12 years and also as an aide to former Lincoln Mayor Coleen Seng.
Hoppe will start his new role as chief of staff on Jan. 6.
"Rick Hoppe is a dedicated public servant with a proven track record of successful, steady leadership in Lincoln city government," Gaylor Baird said. "Rick's extensive experience and deep commitment to his hometown will serve our residents well as we advance community priorities that grow the great life for all in Lincoln."
McDowell has served as Gaylor Baird's chief of staff since May 16, 2023.
He left his role as a University of Nebraska-Lincoln assistant vice chancellor to become Gaylor Baird's adviser in February 2022, and led the city's One Lincoln initiative to foster equity, diversity and inclusion.
He was executive director of the Malone Community Center and worked for both Lincoln Public Schools and Nebraska Wesleyan University before joining UNL.
Gaylor Baird named McDowell her chief of staff after her reelection. He replaced Jennifer Williams, who had been chief of staff since the beginning of the mayor's first term.
"T.J. has been a cornerstone of our team, and I am immensely grateful for his talented leadership, wise counsel, and selfless service to our community," Gaylor Baird said. "T.J. has been instrumental in our accomplishments as a City and has been a valued partner in my administration. My entire team and I will miss him greatly."
Hoppe said he is excited to return to a role he knows well.
"The opportunity to work for a leader like Mayor Gaylor Baird and return to my hometown was too good to pass up," Hoppe said. "The mayor's leadership is making a huge difference in the lives of our residents, whether it's fixing streets, building affordable housing, keeping our community safe or growing our economy. It's an agenda I want to help make happen, and I am honored to serve on the Mayor's team."
McDowell will continue to serve as chief of staff through the remainder of this year.
"Serving the city I love as chief of staff has been a great honor," McDowell said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Mayor Gaylor Baird and help advance her priority pillars. Supporting our city's progress and contributing to meaningful initiatives has been deeply rewarding."
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