Former WNY U.S. Attorney to lead Sean Ryan transition team

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Former U.S. Attorney Trini Ross will be one of the key leaders of Buffalo mayor-elect Sean Ryan’s transition team, he announced Thursday. A former Buffalo Police Commissioner is also a key member the team.

Ross was the U.S. Attorney in Western New York for four years beginning when she was appointed by former President Joe Biden in 2021 before Joel Violanti was appointed to the position in February.

Ross will be one of two co-chairs of the committee, along with Dr. Marie Cannon, the president and CEO of Community Action Organization of Western New York.

The group will be responsible for the recruiting and hiring of more than 90 positions in city government before Ryan officially takes office on Jan. 1, 2026.

“People who are smart, capable, dedicated and knowledgeable,” Ross said in a news conference Thursday. “Individuals who are mission-focused is important. These are the leaders that we’re looking for to become part of the Ryan administration.”

Leading up the emergency services subcommittee is former Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, who resigned from the department in January due to “different priorities” with outgoing mayor Chris Scanlon. Current Erie County DPW Commissioner Bill Geary is leading the public works and parks subcommittee.

“If we want a world-class city we deserve it starts with filling city hall with the smartest, most qualified, hardest-working people we can find,” Ryan said. “This won’t be an administration based on nepotism, it won’t be an administration based on political favors and patronage. We’re going to lead an open and transparent and broad search for senior-level positions.”

You can view Thursday’s full news conference in the video player above.