Contact:
Mark Bode, 574-235-5853
mbode@southbendin.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BUTTIGIEG ANNOUNCES CORPORATION COUNSEL DEPARTURE
Mayor Pete Buttigieg today announced the departure of Corporation Counsel Cristal Brisco. Ms. Brisco will transition to her new role as General Counsel for Saint Mary’s College in South Bend.
“Cristal Brisco has proven to be a superb attorney, an insightful strategist, and a trusted advisor,” Buttigieg said. “We will miss her dedicated public service to the City of South Bend, but she has helped to build an outstanding Department of Law that will continue to serve residents well into the future. I wish Cristal the best of luck as she transitions to her new position, and I know Saint Mary’s College has gained a remarkable legal mind and a dedicated member of their team.”
Mayor Pete Buttigieg appointed Cristal Brisco as Corporation Counsel for the City of South Bend in May 2013. During her four-plus years with the Buttigieg Administration, Ms. Brisco restructured and developed the City’s Legal Department into a team of highly-skilled professionals in an environment in which diversity with regards to gender, race, and age are indicative of a strong commitment to the City’s core values of Inclusion and Excellence.
During her time with the city, Ms. Brisco served as lead negotiator with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, reaching two separate agreements that will result in a guaranteed $2 million annually in City revenue and an estimated $5 million community donation impact.
Under her leadership, the combined results of the legal department’s defense litigation strategy and proactive claims resolution strategy have resulted in a reduction in spending by $1,113,681.78 from 2013 to 2016, or by 77%.
She also enhanced public access to City records. The City of South Bend has responded to well over 10,000 APRA Requests during the Buttigieg administration, without violation.
“It has been an honor to serve on Mayor Pete’s leadership team as Corporation Counsel,” said Brisco. “I look forward to bringing the valuable lessons of this administration into my new role at St. Mary’s College, promoting and advancing women’s leadership and education.”
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