City council appoints Cepeda as director of community development agency – Huntington Now
Huntington City Council nominated Angel Cepeda as director of the Community Development Agency by a 4-1 vote.
Councilwoman Joan Cergol was the only one to vote against her appointment on Tuesday, citing her lack of experience in housing and other Community Development Agency responsibilities.
According to Cepeda’s resume, his most recent job was as Special Assistant to the City Supervisor of Oyster Bay, where he represented the Supervisor and promoted City of Oyster Bay initiatives.
He also ran two campaigns as a Republican candidate for Nassau County legislator in 2015 and 2017.
Councilman Sal Ferro said Cepeda volunteered for his campaign in the 2021 elections.
Although Cepeda has a long track record, serving as the legislative liaison for Christians United for Israel, and being the founding member and treasurer of Voices for Truth and Humanity Inc., Cergol felt he was not qualified enough for the job, since he does not have the required training.
“It defies best hiring practice to appoint someone to a key position in the city without the required training, skills or work history,” Cergol said. “I wish Mr. Cepeda the best of luck, but I remain concerned about the steep learning curve he will face in the days, weeks and months to come in a role where we needed someone to start. .”
But supervisor Ed Smyth, who is also chairman of the CDA board, believes Cepeda is the right person for the job.
“Angel Cepeda is overqualified to lead CDA, as a business owner and consultant advising organizations on how to improve operational effectiveness and efficiency over the past two decades, as well as his private sector experience and government. Mr. Cepeda brings new ideas and ideas to CDA.
Community development agency work requires extensive knowledge and experience of economic development, HUD requirements, affordable housing, grant writing and administration, and authority training and management New York State public.
He replaces Leah Jefferson.
