Mayor Nutter's Chief of Staff Stepping Down

Armbrister to leave once major city budget details are completed

If Michael Nutter goes on to win a second term as Mayor of Philadelphia, he’ll be starting with a new line up at the top of his administration.

Nutter announced the departure of Chief of Staff Clay Armbrister on Friday.

“Clay has been a dedicated public servant, skilled manager, and a good friend,” said Mayor Nutter.

Armbrister was an early appointee about a month after Nutter’s 2007 election as Mayor. He will leave the position “following the substantial completion of the budget process,” according to Nutter.

Suzanne Biemiller, who currently holds the position of Director of Policy, Planning and Coordination, will become the Interim chief of Staff. It will be the third position in the administration for Biemiller who moved from a grant-funded role at the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability to the Cabinet level position in January 2010.

“Suzanne… has my full confidence as we continue to work for the citizens of Philadelphia,” said Nutter.

Prior to joining the Administration, Biemiller served as a senior program officer for The Pew Charitable Trusts where she managed the creation of the Philadelphia Research Initiative. She received her undergraduate degree from Williams College and has a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

“It has been a privilege to have worked with Clay, whose dedication and commitment to the city shines through in all he does,” said Biemiller. “I am looking forward to working with the Mayor, City Council and members of the Administration to continue to serve the citizens of Philadelphia as well as he has.”

Armbrister did not reveal his future plans.

“It has been an honor to serve in this Administration. I am looking forward to the next steps my family and I will take,” said Armbrister.

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