Vassallo resigns as city’s Chief of Staff

City Chief of Staff Kristen Vassallo submitted her resignation to City Manager Marc Ott Tuesday, the first of former City Manager Toby Futrell’s top-level staff to step down since Futrell’s stepped down two months ago.

 

Vassallo’s departure is effective May 2. She said the best part of the job was “being a part of this executive team–working with these very dynamic, smart professionals. I know it’s a cliché but it’s truly been the most rewarding. Being able to work with (former Chief Financial Officer) John Stephens, (and former Deputy CFO) Vickie Schubert,” among others. She said she expects to be “very good lifelong friends” with them.

 

She said she is looking forward to spending all lot of time with her twin three-year olds — as well as “making a decision about a real career change for me.  This is a hard job to leave. It has been extraordinarily rewarding but I feel like I’m ready to start the next chapter. I just want to be thoughtful and take my time with that decision. “

 

Vassallo worked for former Council Member Bill Spelman, beginning in 1998, then for Kirk Watson when he was Mayor. Leaving city employment at the end of 2001 with Watson, she managed his campaign for Attorney General in 2002. Vassallo has also worked for Tate Austin as director of public affairs and returned to the City of Austin in 2004 as director of Public Information Office. She has been Chief of Staff for about three years.

 

As Chief of Staff, Vassallo’s duties have included oversight of Communications and the Public Information Office, Government Relations, Agenda, Neighborhood Housing and Community Development, and Human Resources.