Mayor Bing Announces Administration Changes

DETROIT (WWJ) - Two top members of Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's inner circle are leaving city government.

Kirk Lewis "has been released from his duties to pursue other career opportunities," according to a news release from the mayor's office. Lewis, who ran Bing's auto supply business, Bing Steel, had been the mayor's chief governmental and corporate affairs officer.

The release said Lewis "played an important role as liaison to the State of Michigan and the Obama administration."  Before joining the mayor's administration, Lewis had worked as chief executive for the Bing Group steel supply companies once owned by Bing.

In addition, Al Fields has been "released from his duties" as group executive for utilities for unspecified reasons.

Chief of Staff Shannon Holmes will assume responsibility for the city's Human Services and Health and Wellness Promotion departments. Chief communication officer Karen Dumas now is responsible for government and philanthropic affairs.

Circumstances behind the changes were not made public.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.