Brian Gould appointed as deputy mayor of Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Acting Mayor of Buffalo Chris Scanlon announced on Tuesday his appointment of Brian Gould as the city's new deputy mayor.

Gould will be replacing Callie Johnson, who previously served as the deputy mayor of communication engagement, a city spokesperson said. Johnson was appointed in July 2023 and left when former Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown's resigned earlier this month.

He has worked in the public and private sector for over 25 years in positions in both city and county government. He also served as the senior vice president at e3ommunications, a public relations firm on Franklin Street in Buffalo, for 19 years.

Gould has held roles in the Allentown Association, the Trocaire College Board of Trustees, and the City of Buffalo Citizens Commission on Reapportionment, according to the acting mayor's office.

“I am honored to join Mayor Scanlon’s administration and help guide Buffalo through its next chapter of growth and opportunity,” Gould said. “I look forward to using my experience to foster greater collaboration within city government and between the public and private sectors while advancing Mayor Scanlon’s initiatives that will enhance the quality of life for all Buffalo residents.”

Scanlon described Gould as the "ideal person to help execute our vision for Buffalo's future."

“Brian’s extensive background in public communications, issues management, government relations, community outreach and coalition building will be a tremendous asset to my administration as we continue to move Buffalo forward,” he said.

Gould graduated from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in political science before earning a master's degree in public relations management from Buffalo State University.

The position of deputy mayor makes $148,000 per year.