MAYOR SAYEGH ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE OF CHIEF OF STAFF, CHRISTIAN CALLEGARI

Habib Kader to assume the Chief of Staff role.

Paterson, NJ – Today, Mayor Andre Sayegh announced that Chief of Staff Christian Callegari will conclude his dedicated service to Paterson on November 22, 2023. Christian has been a driving force behind several transformative initiatives in Paterson, leaving an indelible mark on the community.

During his tenure, Christian led and supported a range of critical projects, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the city’s advancement:

·         Paterson Reentry Assistance Program: Christian was instrumental in establishing Paterson’s first reentry program within the Mayor’s Office, offering essential support to individuals reintegrating into the community after incarceration.

·         Acting Director of Economic Development: Christian served as the Acting Director for Economic Development, ensuring services to Paterson residents continued. Christian was also responsible for onboarding the new Economic Development Director and Assistant Director.

·         PatStat: Christian played a key role in developing and implementing PatStat, an innovative data-driven platform that enhances transparency and accountability in city governance.

·         Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP): Christian led the City’s sustainability efforts to partner with an Energy Services Company (ESCO) and upgrade city facilities to provide utility savings for taxpayers and reduce Paterson’s climate footprint.

·         Special Events and Communications: In his Chief of Staff capacity, Christian actively contributed to the planning and execution of special events and communications from the Office of the Mayor, including the ribbon cutting for Hinchliffe Stadium and Paterson State of the City Addresses, fostering community engagement and unity.

Moreover, Christian provided crucial support to various department leaders, collaborating on projects including the renovation of parks and fields and other sustainability initiatives.

Christian Callegari expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in Paterson, stating, “I am profoundly grateful to Mayor Sayegh for granting me the opportunity to serve my community, the same community to which my family immigrated. I depart with a deep sense of pride for what we’ve accomplished together along with our council colleagues. Paterson is on the rise and I remain optimistic about its future.”

Mayor Andre Sayegh commended Christian’s remarkable contributions, saying, “When it comes to Chiefs of Staff, Christian Callegari is the prototype. Two years ago, he came home and made Paterson proud. He improved the efficiency of our office, approached every challenge with alacrity, and consequently, made me  a better Mayor. We will certainly miss his unequivocal professionalism, his positive attitude, and his redoutable leadership. I wish him continued success in his new endeavor.”

The City of Paterson is pleased to announce that Habib Kader will assume the role of Chief of Staff, following Christian’s departure. A native of Paterson, Habib brings a wealth of experience from his time in Senator Cory Booker’s Office in Washington, DC. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin and holds a Master of Public Health degree from Emory University.

“Habib possesses a deep understanding of New Jersey and is committed to serving our state’s residents,” said Senator Booker. “His skills and experience will greatly benefit the City of Paterson as it reaches new heights under Mayor Sayegh’s leadership. Habib will contribute to Paterson’s growth as a hub for businesses creating quality jobs and as a tourist attraction centered around the breathtaking Great Falls National Park.”

Habib Kader expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I’m honored to join Mayor Sayegh’s administration and grateful for the opportunity to serve my hometown. I look forward to working alongside the mayor, his dedicated staff, the council, and the community to continue the progress that has been made. Paterson is a resilient city with immense potential, and I’m eager to contribute to its growth.”

“Just like Christian, Habib is coming home,” said Mayor Andre Sayegh. “He is a proud Patersonian and brings a wealth of experience to our team. Habib has worked for a Congresswoman and a U.S. Senator, so he understands the role that government can play in improving people’s lives.”