ST. PETERSBURG — Mayor Ken Welch on Wednesday announced four new appointments to his administration following recent shakeups in his cabinet.

Spectrum Bay News 9 anchor Erica Riggins was appointed as the city’s new public information officer, and Alizza Punzalan-Randle, the St. Pete Free Clinic’s former Chief Development Officer, was named the city’s new managing director for communications and community engagement.

A news release also announced the promotion of senior adviser Doyle Walsh to interim Chief of Staff, and special projects director Shelly Loos to Director of Stakeholder and Community Engagement.

““I’m incredibly excited to announce these impactful appointments to our administration,” said Welch said in a statement. “Their decades of work in the community will prove invaluable as we continue our mission towards inclusive progress. Collaborating with the community and key stakeholders is imperative to ensuring transparency and accountability at all levels of this administration.”

“I look forward to working alongside our current and new team members to serve the people of our great city, continuing our partnership to build the St. Petersburg of the future while honoring those who were so instrumental in shaping our past,” Welch said.

The changes follow the abrupt resignations of former city spokesperson Janelle Irwin Taylor and deputy mayor Stephanie Owens. Taylor quit her job earlier this month, citing a toxic workplace environment created by Owens.

Owens then resigned while under investigation, and Welch said he would eliminate the deputy mayor position in his administration.

Riggins announced her new role with the city this morning on Bay News 9, where she’s worked for nearly 20 years. She said she’ll transition into her new job over the next few weeks.

“I must admit I will not miss getting up at 1:30 in the morning every day to come to work. That’s been really tough,” Riggins said to viewers. “I’m looking forward to building many beautiful relationships in the great city of St. Pete.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.