Although Mayor Frank Picozzi did not disclose Tuesday why she is leaving, his chief of staff, Susan Nahabedian Ayrassian, Esq., cleaned out her City Hall office on Friday.

Picozzi said the decision to leave on Friday was mutually agreed upon as he is embarking on department budget presentations and is looking to have consistency through the process that takes several weeks. Ayrassian has been rumored as a candidate for a state job, but that could not be confirmed. Picozzi was not comfortable providing Ayrassian’s cell phone number, saying he would let her know the Beacon was looking to talk with her.

Ayrassian was a lifelong resident of Cranston and previously worked at Cranston City Hall as personnel director. She also served as the chairperson of the Cranston Diversity Commission. Her time in Cranston City Hall focused largely on budget and contract negotiations.

“After several interviews I have become very confident that Susan is a person that I can heavily rely on to help me achieve my goals and visions for the residents of Warwick. She has an outstanding combination of education, experience, and interpersonal skills,” Mayor Picozzi said in an interview following appointment.

Going forward, Picozzi has named Economic Director Bruce Keiser, who was a member of the team negotiating the firefighter’s contract and has been instrumental in budget deliberations, as interim chief of staff. Keiser will serve in both positions.

Aaron Mackisey, who was also a member of Picozzi’s inaugural staff, has been named deputy chief of staff.

Picozzi expects Keiser to leave following the budget process, which includes a presentation to the City Council and setting the tax rate. He said he would be interviewing for the chief of staff position and he would hope that Mackisey is an applicant.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to seek to learn more about the city and work with this mayor who has some great ideas,” Ayrassian said in an interview soon after taking on the job.

She did not contact the Beacon as of press time yesterday.