Career advancement

The winners of the Freda Johnson Award are Jeanette Weldon of the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority and Elaine Brennan of Roosevelt & Cross Inc.

Public finance careers require flexibility and relationship-building, said speakers a University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy event.

"Ozi's focus on building lasting relationships and his prudent risk management make him well-suited for this leadership role," said Charles Peck, Wells Fargo's head of municipal products.

Daniel Cohen hopes to leverage his decades of experience to grow Cabrera's brand. 

Women in Public Finance has announced the 2025 members of its board of directors and plans to expand its offerings as it nears its 30th anniversary.

McGrorry and Palacios have been at Ramirez for over a decade, but their working relationship predates their time at the firm.

The new roles for the longtime employees are part of the firm's strategy to prioritize internal promotions. 

Sycamore Advisors adds two quantitative experts, PFM boosts its workforce consulting team and more talent shifts in December.

Longtime firm members Elaine Brennan and Charles Stavitsky hope to maintain continuity after their promotions. 

Public policy students will mingle with current municipal finance pros at an upcoming University of Chicago Harris School career forum.

Municipalities face the most difficulty in attracting and winning new hires compared to all other financial sector participants.

Teague, most recently an executive director of the municipal securities department at Morgan Stanley, will focus on surface transportation.

"Our firm is committed to expanding in regions and sectors with robust muni issuances and we view the K-14 market in California to be a great intersection of such," said Gary Hall, SWS president of infrastructure and public finance.

Messina, a veteran public finance lawyer, will focus on senior living and life-plan communities.

Peter Lam has served as bond counsel to state and local issuers for public and privately placed bond issuances.

Mesirow's public finance group will collaborate with the firm's institutional sales and trading team to offer clients defeasance and cash-flow management for their portfolios.

"After more than 36 years as investor and leader, Peter has decided the timing is right to begin his own retirement next year," said Rich Kushel, senior managing director at BlackRock.

"I am excited to lead the team through what will be an exciting period of growth in public finance," Anjali Sharma said.

The award will be presented to Chu during Women in Public Finance's national conference in Washington, D.C. in September.

Charles Treece and Azer Akhtar in Washington, D.C., and Jennifer Santangelo in Philadelphia have become partners at Ballard Spahr.