Pittsburgh council to vote on city clerk appointment

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh City Council is poised to vote next week on a new city clerk.

Council President Bruce Kraus will submit legislation this week to nominate Brenda Pree, a certified clerk and Mississippi native, for the administrative role, Mr. Kraus said Thursday. His office is set to make a formal announcement Friday, with council to consider and vote on her appointment Tuesday.

Ms. Pree would succeed the longtime city clerk Mary Beth Doheny, who is retiring. Under a brief arrangement this week, Ms. Pree has begun working alongside Ms. Doheny “for Mary Beth to be able to share her vast knowledge, her institutional knowledge,” Mr. Kraus said.

The approach gives Ms. Pree a chance to delve into “the complexities and challenges and duties of the clerk’s office” before Ms. Doheny departs, he said.

Council used closed-door executive sessions to discuss filling the job. Elected bodies hold the private sessions to consider select subjects, including personnel matters.

“Ms. Pree brings exceptional professionalism and enthusiasm,” Mr. Kraus said in a statement. “I am excited that after a national search, we were able to find such an experienced and well-rounded individual for nomination.”

Ms. Pree could not be reached immediately Thursday. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from