Buffalo, New York – Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced that he has named Delano D. Dowell, Senior as the new City of Buffalo Commissioner of Administration, Finance & Urban Affairs. Dowell replaces former Commissioner Donna Estrich, a 22-year veteran of City government who recently retired from the position, which she held since 2013. Estrich continues to stay on in an advisory role for the Administration during this important transition.
“I am thankful to Commissioner Donna Estrich for everything she has done to strengthen the City of Buffalo and her willingness to continue on in an advisory capacity during this transition,” said Mayor Brown. “I am also looking forward to working with Commissioner Delano Dowell. His experience and leadership will help advance my vision to create a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable community.”
Commissioner Dowell stated, “I am honored to serve the people of Buffalo, on behalf of Mayor Byron Brown. I look forward to working with Mayor Brown on our shared commitment to be fiscally responsible with the Finances of the City of Buffalo.”
Commissioner Dowell is a proven financial professional with several decades of public and private experience. Most recently, he served as Deputy Comptroller, responsible for the day-to-day administration of the City’s financial and accounting functions. Prior to that, he served as Special Assistant to the Comptroller, analyzing financial trends and providing feedback to the Comptroller and Buffalo Common Council.
A Buffalo Native, Commissioner Dowell earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from D’Youville University in 2000. In 2016, he served as Senior Special Assistant to his predecessor, Commissioner Donna Estrich. During Commissioner Estrich’s tenure, Buffalo faced several economic crises, from a global pandemic, social unrest, to the growing threat of climate change. Rather than be defeated by these challenges, Mayor Brown and Commissioner Estrich worked closely together and implemented initiatives that enabled the city to emerge stronger and more resilient.
Mayor Brown looks forward to working with Commissioner Dowell to build on this foundation and further advance his vision to create a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable community. Mr. Dowell’s appointment is effective today, July 18, 2022.