Hoboken Names Vijay Chaudhuri as Communications Manager and Chris Brown as Director of Community Development

(ABOVE: Mayor Bhalla, Vijay Chaudhuri, and former Mayor Dawn Zimmer—photo via facebook)

Moving quickly to fill some sudden vacancies in the City’s staff, Hoboken today announced the appointment of Chris Brown as Director of Community Development, while City Hall veteran Vijay Chaudhuri will serve as Hoboken’s new Communications Manager and Policy Advisor.

Chaudhuri worked as Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s Chief of Staff before running Mayor Ravi Bhalla‘s election campaign, and also served as a Congressional aide. He will replace Santiago Melli-Huber, who announced his departure last week after an eight-month stint.

Brown has served as a City’s Principal Planner in the Community Development Department for the past seven years and holds a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning. He will oversee all property development in Hoboken, as well as the Planning and Zoning offices. He will assume the role of acting Director, pending a City Council confirmation, as he replaces Brandy Forbes, who also announced her departure last week.

“Both Chris and Vijay have proven track records of great service to our City, and I am confident that this will continue in their new roles,” said Bhalla. “Each of them has the skillset to move our City forward and I am grateful for their willingness to serve our residents,” added Bhalla.

Both Brown and Chaudhuri will be in their new positions as of December 5.

Mayor Bhalla and Chris Brown—City of Hoboken photo