The Mayor’s Office works with all City departments on various projects and serves as a liaison between the mayor and the residents of the City of South Bend.
MAYOR JAMES MUELLER
Mayor of South Bend
Mayor Mueller is the chief executive of the City of South Bend. The city’s thirty-third mayor, he was sworn into office on January 1, 2020. As mayor, Mueller is responsible for the city workforce of over 1,000 employees and an annual budget over $380 million.
After attending St. Joseph’s High School, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of Delaware for his PhD, Mueller worked in public policy before returning home in 2015 to join the Buttigieg administration as Mayor Pete’s Chief of Staff, Mueller promoted pragmatic public policies and affordable energy solutions at the George Washington University’s Solar Institute in Washington, DC. He also served in the office of US Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), for nearly four years, first as a John A. Knauss Legislative Fellow and then as a policy adviser on energy and natural resources.
Mueller’s tenure as Chief of Staff included the establishment of the first Diversity and Inclusion Office in Indiana, as well as the creation of the Departments of Innovation & Technology and the Venues Parks and Arts Department. Mueller went on to become the Executive Director of Community Investment where he was responsible for attracting businesses to South Bend and investing in the neighborhoods. Early in his tenure as Executive Director of Community Investment, Mueller established the Engagement & Economic Empowerment Division to empower residents with access to economic opportunities and meaningful civic participation
Darryl Scott
Chief of Staff
Darryl G. Scott is a seasoned leader with over eight years of diverse experience in both public and private sectors. Known for his strategic acumen and collaborative approach, Darryl has a proven track record in managing complex issues, engaging diverse stakeholders, and driving impactful initiatives. His background spans government affairs, management, and community outreach, with a notable emphasis on building consensus and fostering partnerships. He previously served as Special Assistant at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he played a key role in advancing the Obama Administration’s regional economic strategies, including spearheading collaborative initiatives like the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Competition and i6 Challenge. His strategic insights led to streamlined decision-making processes and new programs fostering high-growth entrepreneurship nationwide. Darryl earned his B.S. in Sociology and a Certificate in Markets and Management Studies from Duke University. His entrepreneurial background in the restaurant industry, coupled with his experience in political and governmental roles, positions him uniquely to lead and innovate as Chief of Staff.
Allie Dolz-Lane
Deputy Chief of Staff
Allie was named Deputy Chief of Staff for Mayor Mueller after more than two years in the Mayor’s Office as Project Manager. She holds a B.A. in International Studies from Indiana University Bloomington.
Shalon “Shay” Davis
Director of Community Outreach
Shalon “Shay” Davis is an exemplary model of true public service. She has faithfully served the City of South Bend for over twenty-five years. Shalon has graciously served throughout the administration of two Mayors, Stephen Luecke and Peter Buttigieg and currently serves as Director of Community Outreach for Mayor James Mueller. She serves a vital role in the daily operations of the Mayor’s Office.
Shalon is most proud of the service she renders by way of community outreach, presenting proclamations and keys to the city, attending events, resolving resident concerns, engaging and keeping the community informed and helping residents navigate government services and processes. She effectively communicates and collaborates with all levels of city management and community leaders. Shalon spearheaded the Black History month honor tributes, ceremony, and billboards in honor of our local African American public servants on behalf of the City of South Bend in 2015 and volunteers her time and services to diverse organizations throughout the city and abroad – formerly serving as campaign manager in two high profile local elections.
Her commitment to community and civic service earned her the key to the city in 2011 and 2019, was honored in 2017 during Black History month and received the Ella Baker Woman Arising Award from the YWCA in May 2023.
Shalon is a native of South Bend, a graduate of John Adams High School, a mother and widely known for her willingness to serve throughout the community.
Allison Zeithammer
Director of Communications
Allison is a South Bend native, proudly serving as Director of Communications for Mayor Mueller.
Allison has over 5 years of communications and journalism experience, and previously was a Multimedia Journalist and Weekend Morning Anchor for local news station ABC57 news for more than 2 years.
Allison is a proud graduate of Clay High School and Indiana University Bloomington, where she completed her BA in Journalism in 2020.
Allison’s avocations include writing, photography, videography, and spending time with her family, friends and two cats.
Breana Micou
Project Manager
Breana is a South Bend native who loves to volunteer, has a passion for politics, and is an avid painter and gardener.
Yesenia Garcilazo
Executive Assistant and Director of Special Projects
Yesenia Garcilazo serves as Mayor Mueller’s Executive Assistant. Yesenia is responsible for tracking scheduling requests, maintaining the Mayor’s calendar, and other administrative duties.
Yesenia is a South Bend native and Washington High School graduate, Yesenia received her bachelor’s degree from IU South Bend in General Studies with a concentration in Social and Behavioral Services.
Her previous experiences include: billing and office management (Cash Processing Representative, Beacon Health Systems) and resolving constituents’ concerns and coordination of various community events for the City (Secretary, Office of Mayor Pete Buttigieg).
Yesenia’s avocations include providing translating services to South Bend residents, volunteering, and spending time with her family.
Emily Longines
Administrative Assistant
Emily is a South Bend native and serves as Mayor Mueller’s Administrative Assistant. She graduated from Marian High School and earned her bachelor’s degree studying business from Indiana University South Bend in 2023. Emily is following her personal passions of providing Spanish translations and assistance, serving her surrounding community, and providing a helping hand to all.
April Canahuati
Senior Policy Advisor
April is a Senior Policy Advisor for the City of South Bend through the Harvard Bloomberg City Hall Fellowship program. She is a recent graduate of the University of Virginia, where she received her B.S. in Education, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she earned her Ed.M. in Human Development and Education. Drawing from her personal experience as a first-generation immigrant from Honduras, she is passionate about working with the immigrant community.