DAVENPORT, Iowa — Editor's note: The video attached originally aired on July 31.
Two new faces will be working at Davenport City Hall by early September.
City officials have announced the appointment of Denise Hnytka as the chief communications officer and Samuel (Sam) Huff IV as the City's new attorney. Hnytka will start on Aug. 19 and Huff on Sept. 3.
Hnytka's appointment comes after Chief Strategy Officer Sarah Ott left the City back in December 2023 to work for the Davenport Community School District. The newly created chief communications officer role will "focus on daily interfacing with the City’s media partners, developing communications strategies, and providing leadership to numerous community engagement initiatives," according to a press release.
A familiar name at WQAD, Hnykta was an anchor at News 8 for 11 years. She most recently worked at MindFire Communications as public relations counsel for the agency's marketing clients. She graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in broadcast journalism.
“It’s an honor to join the talented team at the City of Davenport. I look forward to working alongside leadership to help Davenport tell its story with authenticity and transparency,” Hnytka said in a press release.
Huff is coming to the City from working as an attorney for Deere and Co. (John Deere). In that role, Huff focused on litigation, response to government subpoenas, and evidence management and collection. Other roles include serving as a felony prosecutor in the Scott and Wapello County Attorney's Offices. He earned his bachelor's degree at Roanoke College and his Juris Doctor from Drake University's Law School.
“I am truly honored to be selected as the Corporation Counsel for the City of Davenport, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Council for their support," Huff said in a press release. "This is an incredible opportunity to serve our community, uphold the rule of law, and work collaboratively to address the challenges we face. I am excited to bring my passion and dedication to this role, and I look forward to making a positive impact together with all of you."