Syracuse Sun

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh has appointed Corey Driscoll Dunham as the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Syracuse. In her new role, Dunham will oversee several departments including Finance, Assessment, Management and Budget, Human Resources, Municipal Violations Bureau, Research, Information Technology, and Analytics, Performance and Innovation. She will also manage the completion of the city's government timekeeping and payroll modernization project.

Dunham has been with the city since 2018 as Chief Operating Officer. During her tenure in that role, she collaborated closely with departments such as Public Works, Engineering, Parks, Recreation & Youth Program, and Water. Her responsibilities included overseeing Cityline and fleet operations while serving as a primary lead in labor relations for the Mayor’s Office. She played a key role in coordinating operating departments on infrastructure investments like road reconstruction and water main replacement.

“Corey is widely respected across City government for her expertise in operations management and innovation," stated Mayor Walsh. "Her longstanding dedication and proven track record of effective municipal government operations provide the foundation necessary for successful leadership as Chief Administrative Officer.”

As COO, Dunham implemented SYRCityline powered by SeeClickFix to enhance city responsiveness to quality of life issues. She also initiated programs such as the Supplemental Sidewalk Snow Removal Program and the Municipal Sidewalk Program to improve pedestrian safety and walkability. Additionally, she revamped sanitation operations to foster a safer work environment for DPW employees and led labor negotiations ensuring all city unions operated under current contracts for the first time in decades. In 2023, she established the City of Syracuse Dog Shelter at Second Chance.

Dunham holds a Master of Public Administration from Nelson A. Rockefeller College at University at Albany and bachelor's degrees in political science and English from St. John Fisher University. She also serves as board chair of Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA) and is an alumna of Nottingham High School.