Mayor Walsh Names Michael Cannizzaro Commissioner of Finance

Published on July 17, 2023

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh named Michael J. Cannizzaro Commissioner of Finance for the City of Syracuse. Cannizzaro began with the City in 2020 as director of accounting and was appointed first deputy commissioner of finance in 2022.

“Michael Cannizzaro takes over as finance commissioner with a deep knowledge of Syracuse’s finances and a determination to further strengthen the City’s fiscal condition,” said Mayor Walsh. “He has a strong track record of improving the City’s financial processes and increasing the accuracy and timeliness of our reporting. Michael is also a well-respected leader in our finance department and across city government.”

Cannizzaro, a certified public accountant, has more than 12 years of experience in finance and accounting. He has worked for major private companies and for regional and national accounting firms. As director of accounting with the City, Cannizzaro was instrumental in enabling Syracuse to eliminate material weaknesses in its annual audit in 2021, the first time in more than a decade.

Cannizzaro attended Syracuse City Schools and graduated from Henninger High School.  A graduate of Cornell University, he lives on the city’s north side.

Cannizzaro succeeds current Finance Commissioner Brad O’Connor who is returning to a position in the private sector. O’Connor served the city for nearly four years, first as its deputy commissioner of finance and then as commissioner of finance from 2020 to 2023.

“I’m very grateful to Brad O’Connor for his service to the City of Syracuse. Under his leadership, Syracuse made major progress on its path to fiscal sustainability. Brad guided the City through the fiscal uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, helped build the City’s fund balance to a responsible level, and played a critical role in improving the outlook the big credit ratings agencies have on Syracuse,” said Mayor Walsh. “We are fortunate he brought his talents to city government.”