Mayor Walsh Appoints Keenan Lewis as Lead Paint Program Coordinator

Published on October 25, 2022

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced Keenan Lewis as Lead Paint Program Coordinator for the City of Syracuse Division of Code Enforcement. In this role, Lewis leads the efforts of the Lead Paint Program, acting as a Neighborhood and Business Development representative to community groups to answer questions and explain policies and procedures for lead paint enforcement. Lewis will supervise inspections, review lead paint cases and violation abatement schedules, and investigate specific lead paint issues or violations that require on-site visits. In addition, he will conduct EPA Dust Sampling Technician training courses and make written policy recommendations for carrying out new or enhanced lead paint initiatives.

Prior to his new role, Lewis worked with the City of Syracuse as a Code Enforcement Officer, inspecting residential homes to determine compliance with city ordinance standards for more than three years. He would regularly be on-site to determine lighting, heating, ventilating and plumbing compliance as well as conduct United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Inspections, which included lead inspections.

“Keenan has worked hard to promote safety in Syracuse by collaborating with various City departments and community stakeholders to address barriers to constituents, working to ensure that residents have access to a healthy home,” said Mayor Walsh. “Keenan’s previous lead-related work with the Division of Code Enforcement has given him the qualifications necessary to be Lead Paint Program Coordinator, and his desire to take on this role speaks to the passion he has for bettering the community, making him the right person to tackle lead in our city.”

Lewis is also responsible for community engagement regarding the Lead Paint Program; he reviews and answers inquiries from property owners, community group representatives and City residents about violations and fines, and acts as a liaison to City and other outside agencies.

Lewis is HUD inspection certified, is certified as an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Risk Assessor and has completed the New York State Basic Code Enforcement Training Program. He obtained his bachelor's degree from Columbia College, and recently completed his Master of Public Administration degree this past September 2022 at Bellevue University. Lewis won the Unsung Hero award from Syracuse University in 2018.

In addition to his education and work background, Lewis is the Director of Family Services at The Promise Land Church, the co-coordinator of Jubilee Homes Showcase Sundays, and the co-owner of I Know I Can Radio, a program he and his wife created to provide resources to the community.