Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed has appointed Kwasi K. Obeng to serve as chief of staff for the city of Montgomery. Obeng began serving in the role Friday, July 17, 2026.
Obeng brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in municipal government, public administration, organizational transformation and international affairs. As chief of staff, he will help coordinate the administration’s priorities, support collaboration across city departments and work with Reed and city leadership to improve operations and service delivery for Montgomery residents, according to the city.
“Dr. Obeng brings extensive experience leading complex organizations, improving government operations and bringing people together around shared goals,” Reed said. “His commitment to accountability, innovation and public service will be an asset to our administration and to the residents we serve. I am pleased to welcome him to Montgomery.”
Before joining the city of Montgomery, Obeng served as assistant city manager for the city of Hampton, Virginia. In that role, he provided executive oversight for public safety, emergency management, human services, libraries, youth development, economic empowerment and community resilience initiatives.
He also managed more than $60 million in operating and capital budgets and led cross-departmental efforts focused on economic mobility, generational poverty, organizational performance and resident-centered government.
“I am honored to join Mayor Reed’s administration and serve the people of Montgomery,” Obeng said. “I look forward to working alongside city employees, community partners and residents to advance the mayor’s priorities, strengthen collaboration across the organization and ensure city government continues to provide responsive and effective public service.”
Obeng previously served as chief of staff to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners in Georgia and the Madison, Wisconsin Common Council. In those roles, he advised elected officials on governance, strategic planning, legislative affairs, budgeting, economic development, organizational effectiveness and constituent services.
Earlier in his career, Obeng held executive performance auditing and policy positions with the cities of Chicago and Atlanta, where his work focused on improving government accountability, operational efficiency, infrastructure management and the stewardship of public resources.
Obeng also has international public service experience with the United Nations Department of Political Affairs. His work included supporting interagency coordination related to the Horn of Africa, preparing reports for the United Nations Security Council, coordinating with international partners and supporting regional stabilization efforts.
An educator and mentor, Obeng has taught political science and international relations at the university level and worked with international leadership development initiatives.
He holds a doctorate in political science with concentrations in American government, international relations, comparative politics and African politics.
