Allen Lew has been selected to be D.C. Mayor-elect Vincent Gray’s right-hand man.
Lew will take over the job of city administrator from Neil Albert, who was current Mayor Adrian Fenty’s choice for the job.
For more than 10 years Lew has been overseeing major projects in the District, including construction of the Washington Convention Center and Nationals Park and the rebuilding of schools throughout D.C.
"Not enough credit goes to Mr. Lew and his staff for their crucial role in improving public education," Gray said in a prepared statement.
As city administrator, Lew will run day-to-day operations of the $10 billion city government. He lives in Ward 6.
Gray's chief of staff is Geri Mason Hall, currently a senior vice president of Sodexo, a food service corporation. She lives in Ward 4. She formerly worked in the Clinton Administration's office of personnel.
She also worked in the D.C. Office of Personnel under then-director Lorraine Green. Green is a close confidant of Gray and the leader of his transition team.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Lew is considered to be a very tough taskmaster, and puts pressure on contractors to live up to expectations. He also is known to run a tough shop with his department heads.
Lew was recruited in 2007 by Fenty to oversee the modernization of D.C. Public Schools.
From 2004 to 2007 he was the CEO of the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, where he oversaw the renovation of RFK Stadium and the construction of Nationals Park. The construction of the Nats’ new home was done on time and on budget.
From 1996 to 2004, Lew was managing director of development and later acting GM and CEO of the Washington Convention Center Authority. He oversaw the development and construction of the $850 million Convention Center.
Stay with NBCWashington.com for more information.
