Meet John

Growing up in Bridgeport upon arriving from Cape Verde Islands in 1981 at the age of nine years old, without speaking a word of English, John attended Columbus, Blackham, and Central High School, graduating in the top 5% of his class. He excelled academically and, as a recipient of scholarships, pursued his undergraduate education at the University of Connecticut in 1993, graduating with his B.S. in Business with a concentration in Marketing.

 

In addition to his academics, John became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. (OH Chapter) in 1990 and engaged in a variety of community initiatives. The skills and experience he obtained while a student at UCONN and his ability to speak five languages, led to a number of corporate recruitments upon graduation. John excelled quickly and proved himself to always be willing to work hard and build upon his success by going the distance while ensuring his successful endeavors defined not only his success but his determination to be a grounded human being.

 

While working with Nestle, USA, John was elevated to the Foreign Trade Division with the responsibility of overseeing a budget of over $60M annual sales for five Caribbean locations, which has and continues to grow significantly. While growing Nestle, USA on a global scale, John earned his master’s degree in International Business from University of Southern New Hampshire.

 

Even as John achieved numerous milestones in his career, he has always remained true to the community that welcomed him as a child. As a local businessman, John has invested in local commercial properties and ran a successful restaurant business with his family in Bridgeport for a decade. He became involved with the Cape Verdean Association, among other local community organizations, while building a life and home in Bridgeport for his four daughters.

 

In 2008, John began his public service as the first Director of CitiStat, a performance-based management program for municipal government here in Bridgeport. The objective of this new department was to analyze and increase transparency, accountability, and efficiency in municipal government’s daily operations. John collaborated closely with key stakeholders and the administration to determine objectives and identify resources to provide sustainable best practices and long-term solutions. After measurable success and thoughtful recommendations, John transitioned out of this role and continued his work in Bridgeport as the Acting Chief Administrative Officer with the current Administration.

 

Appointed Acting Chief Administrative Officer, John was responsible for the oversight of all Citywide departments with approximately 2,025 employees. The role of the CAO was to identify solutions and maximize department responsibility while meeting administration and constituent needs by way of strategic plans of operations, services, programs, and particular initiatives. John ensured compliance with City of Bridgeport policy and programs in the most effective way possible while increasing transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

 

John has a proven history of innovation and leadership in city government to streamline administration functions for efficiency and accountability. He is ready to bring his private sector and public service experience to the City of Bridgeport in a larger capacity by leading the effort to improve the city’s overall growth and outcomes when it comes to economic development. John is eager to be a leader for all who will be unafraid to do what is right and stand up for the residents of Bridgeport.