Mayor Reed Gusciora Makes Interim Appointments For Business Administrator, Health, and Recreation

Trenton, N.J. – Today, Mayor W. Reed Gusciora is pleased to announce the appointment of Maria Richardson as the Interim Business Administrator, following the departure of Adam E. Cruz, who has accepted the B.A. position in Dover Township, NJ. Adam Cruz served the City of Trenton with distinction for 5 years and 7 months, contributing significantly to our city’s growth and development.

“Maria Richardson, a dedicated public servant with a wealth of experience, has been appointed as the Interim Business Administrator. Her proven track record as the Director of the Department of Recreation, Natural Resources, and Culture since 2018, and as the Interim Director of the Department of Health and Human Services since January 2023, coupled with her unwavering commitment to public service, makes her an outstanding choice to ensure a seamless transition and continued excellence in city administration,” said Gusciora.

With over three decades of service in municipal government, the private sector, and academia, Maria brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role. An attorney by profession, she holds extensive academic credentials, including a Ph.D. in Education, a Master’s in Forestry and Sustainable Development, a Master’s in International Public Law, Business, and Commercial Arbitration, and a Master’s in E-Learning and ICT. Additionally, she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Administration, demonstrating her deep understanding of the fields relevant to her role as Interim Business Administrator.

Mayor Gusciora also announced the appointment of Dr. Diego Minacapelli as the Interim Director of the Department of Health and Human Services for the City of Trenton.

“Dr. Minacapelli has served our department with distinction for over a year, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication, particularly in coordinating our federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program,” continued the mayor.

“Dr. Minacapelli brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role. His impressive career includes his previous position as a Research Coordinator and Scientific Laboratory Lead in the Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS). In this capacity, Dr. Minacapelli has led various clinical trials and research initiatives, significantly contributing to advancements in the field of gastroenterology,” said Gusciora.

Dr. Minacapelli earned his Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (M.D.) from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, Mexico, and completed his post-doctoral research fellowship at RWJMS. His academic credentials are further enhanced by specialized training and certifications from Harvard Medical School.

“With Dr. Minacapelli’s leadership, we look forward to advancing the mission of the Department of Health and Human Services, ensuring the health and well-being of all Trenton residents,” Mayor Gusciora stated.

Mayor Gusciora also announced the appointment of Mr. Paul Harris as the Interim Director of Recreation, Natural Resources, and Culture.

“Paul Harris has been a dedicated and invaluable member of our team, serving as the second in command of Parks and Recreation for the past three years and Health & Human Services for a year-and-a-half. He has managed staffing, infrastructure, and upgrades at Trenton’s five public swimming pools for over seven years. His extensive management background and unwavering dedication to enhancing community programs and infrastructure make him an ideal fit for this important role,” said Gusciora.

Paul Harris brings a wealth of experience to his new position, having worked with Trenton City Government since August 3, 2010. Throughout his tenure, he has gained expertise in a wide range of areas, including Accounts Payable, Budgeting, Communications, Construction Management, Recreation Programming and Maintenance, and Website Management. “He got his start in the Health Department’s Office on Aging advocating for expanded and improved services for seniors. Fourteen years later he finds himself advocating for expanded recreation programming and jobs for City residents. Our seasonal employment program is administered by Parks & Recreation and has nearly 350 employees working throughout the City. This is the largest class of seasonal employees in our history, and we are thrilled that we can keep Trentonians working and gaining valuable experience,” continued the mayor.

“Mr. Harris’s commitment to public service extends beyond his professional roles, having been an active member of various civic groups and committees, such as the South Trenton Area Residents Society, Trenton Council of Civic Associations, and the Trenton Litter March Executive Committee,” added the mayor. “We are confident that Paul Harris will bring his expertise and passion to this role, driving forward our mission to provide outstanding recreational and cultural services to the residents of Trenton.”

Finally, Mayor Reed Gusciora is pleased to announce the interim appointment of Arch Liston as the Director of Housing and Economic Development for the City of Trenton. This appointment comes following the departure of the previous director, Massiel Ferrara.

“Arch brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of effective leadership to this role. His extensive background in public administration and community development makes him uniquely qualified to lead the city’s housing and economic development initiatives during this transition period,” said Gusciora.

Mr. Liston has served in various capacities within municipal government, most recently as the Chief-of-Staff to the Mayor of Trenton from April 2021 to July 2023. In this role, he coordinated the transitional year budget, maintained a zero tax increase for 42 months, and established processes for the American Rescue Plan funding of $73 million. His work also included helping to transition all employees and retirees out of NJ State Health Benefits into private health insurance and coordinating efforts of all departments in collaboration with the Business Administrator.

Prior to his tenure in Trenton, Mr. Liston served as the Township Administrator for Hamilton, NJ (Atlantic County), where he coordinated the COVID-19 response, restructured departments to improve services and reduce costs, and oversaw redevelopment processes. His extensive experience also includes roles as Acting Business Administrator, Interim Director of Community Development, and Interim Director of Inspections for Trenton; City Manager of Johnstown, PA; Business Administrator for Atlantic City, NJ; and Township Manager for Galloway Township, NJ.

Mr. Liston holds a Master of Governmental Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, Fels Center of Government, and a Bachelor of Science in Law and Justice from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey). He has also completed executive education programs at the University of Virginia and Northwestern University.

“I am confident that Arch Liston will provide strong leadership and continuity for our Housing and Economic Development Department,” said Mayor Gusciora. “His extensive experience and dedication to public service will be invaluable as we continue to advance our city’s economic and housing goals,” concluded Gusciora. “We look forward to his contributions and leadership in driving Trenton’s growth and development.”

The new appointments will take effect July 27, 2024, and are subject to the Advice and Consent of City Council.