Pueblo native's resume includes finance, higher education, Colorado State Fair.

Mayor Nick Gradisar has selected a Pueblo native with a history in local and state education, finance and recreation as his chief of staff.

The choice of Laura Solano for the position serving as Gradisar's second-in-command was announced Friday morning. She begins her duties May 1, according to a city news release.

Solano is a Puebloan who has career experience with the Colorado Department of Revenue, Pueblo Community College and Colorado State University-Pueblo. She also has worked with the Colorado State Fair.

There were 35 applications received from individuals across the country for the chief of staff job, Gradisar said. A three-person committee was formed to screen the applications and conduct interviews, and the panel made a recommendation to the mayor on who to hire.

Though Gradisar said many of the applicants had impressive credentials, he felt Solano was the best choice for the job.

"I am very pleased with the selection of Laura Solano as chief of staff," Gradisar said. "We want to accomplish a lot for the city of Pueblo, and she will play a key part."

Ever since Gradisar was elected mayor following a runoff election in January, he's planned for a chief of staff position in his office.

The City Council unanimously approved an ordinance adding the position to the mayor’s office. A separate ordinance secures a $100,000 salary without tapping into the 2019 city budget. Police Chief Troy Davenport has been confirmed as deputy mayor, though he doesn’t get a raise.

Solano will oversee the operations of the city’s departments, such as finance, human resources, housing and citizen services, information technology, parks and recreation, planning, public works, stormwater, wastewater and aviation, according to a job description on the city’s website.

She would also be tasked with collaborating with department directors on daily issues and special projects, advising and assisting the mayor in delivery of city services, and being a liaison for the City Council and public.

rseverance@chieftain.com

Twitter: @RyanS_Chieftain