I am excited to announce that I am running for re-election as Mayor of the City of Peekskill. It has been my honor to serve as Mayor since January 2022, following my previous roles as Deputy Mayor from 2020 to 2021 and as a Councilmember since 2012. Over these years, I have listened closely to the needs and concerns of our residents, and that input has guided our decisions as we budget, plan, and create legislation to move Peekskill forward.
Together, we have accomplished a great deal. We've made City Hall more open and accessible to the public, created new opportunities for employee advancement, streamlined the building permit process, expanded housing options, including affordable units, and launched essential initiatives like the Quality of Life Committee, the Civilian Complaint Review Board, a tree ordinance, and Peekskill's very first Youth Council in partnership with our high school students.
We've also expanded our youth programming with the addition of the Freedom School Camp, and we've secured transformative funding, including a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant and a $10 million Momentum Fund award. These investments have already yielded visible results, such as the new Pugsley Park and the stunning Fleischmann Pier, projects that not only enhance our city's character but also bolster our economy. Throughout it all, my administration has worked closely with community partners, including building and maintaining strong relationships with our school district.
Peekskill is in a strong position today, but our work is not finished. That is why I am running for re-election—to continue building on our progress while focusing on key priorities: public safety, walkability, sustainable development, and affordability.
Beyond City Hall, I am proud to represent Peekskill through various organizations that keep me connected to ideas, resources, and leaders across the region and the nation. I serve as an Executive Board Member of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of the Executive Committee of the Westchester Municipal Officials Association, and a member of the African American Mayors Association, the New York Conference of Mayors, the United States Conference of Mayors, the Westchester Black Women's Political Caucus, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Park Street AME Zion Church.
Peekskill has always been my home and my heart. I am a proud graduate of Peekskill City Schools and hold a Bachelor of Science in Management degree from Binghamton University's School of Management. I am also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses Program. My professional background spans 27 years in the insurance industry, where I have held roles including Claims Adjuster, Fraud Investigator, Special Investigator, and Territory Sales Manager. I later combined my love for community and entrepreneurship as a founding partner of Bridge E's Place, owner of a Mobile Soul Food Truck, and, since 2010, owner of the beloved Kathleen's Tea Room in downtown Peekskill.
Most importantly, I am blessed to share my life with my husband, Eric McKenzie, my best friend and greatest supporter. I am also a proud mother and grandmother.
Peekskill is thriving, and together, we can continue to make it an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. I ask for your support in my re-election campaign so that I may continue serving you with dedication, energy, and love for our city.