Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. is pleased to announce recent promotions in the Planning and Development Department for the City of Hammond. Africa Tarver, announcing her relocation out of state for a new job opportunity, will be leaving the City of Hammond after 21 years.
Ms. Tarver began as an Administrative Assistant in the Mayor’s Office, transitioned to Domestic Abuse at the Hammond Police Department and then to Planning and Development, where she moved between Community Development and Economic Development.
After a time as the College Bound Coordinator, Ms. Tarver returned to Planning and Development, first as Director of Economic Development and then the Executive Director of Planning and Development. “I am grateful for my time with the City of Hammond, and am looking forward to this new chapter of my life,” stated Ms. Tarver.
“Africa has been an integral part of my administration and I will personally miss her at City Hall. She is a leader not only here in Hammond, but throughout the Calumet Region,” said Mayor McDermott. “I know I speak for so many when I say that we are losing an honest, hard-working, positive person in Africa. I only wish her the best in her future endeavors and I know she will bring her positivity and leadership wherever she goes.”
Stepping into Mr. Tarver’s role of the Executive Director of Planning and Development will be Anne Anderson. Ms. Anderson has been with the City since 2013 in the roles of Economic Development Marketing Coordinator, Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Staff and most recently the Director of Economic Development. “Africa Tarver has been a wonderful role model for me during my years with the City of Hammond and I will miss her greatly, both professionally and personally,” said Ms. Anderson.
Moving into the role of Director of Economic Development will be Juan J. Moreno. Juan has been with the City for 23 years, the 17 years in the Hammond City Court and the most recent years as the TIF Program Coordinator in Economic Development. Juan will carry his knowledge and experience into this new role with enthusiasm and hard work.
“I personally want to congratulate Africa Tarver on her many years of service for the City of Hammond. Her leadership has been instrumental in many of the successes that we have had in Hammond,” said Phil Taillon, Hammond Chief of Staff. “And congratulations to Anne Anderson and Juan Moreno as well. They have proven to be ready for this next challenge in both of their careers.”For further information, please contact Anne Anderson or Juan Moreno at andersona@gohammond.com or morenoj@gohammond.com.
