Arts education executive Bryant “Drew” Andrews has been appointed aldermen for Ward 7 by Mayor Steve Noble. Andrews will fill the unexpired term left by the resignation of former Seventh Ward councilmember Patrick Olivieri.

Andrews is the founder and executive director of the Center for Creative Education. Founded in 2002, the group provides cultural and social enrichment activities for Kingston youth. The center is also the home of the award-winning Energy Dance Troupe. In addition to his work with CCE, Andrews has served on a number of city- and arts-related boards and commissions. Andrews has served on the Ulster County Restorative Justice Task Force, the Kingston Arts Commission and an arts education panel for the New York State Council on the Arts. Andrews also served on the boards of UPAC/Bardavon 1860 Opera House and the SUNY Ulster Foundation. He holds degrees in human services and youth counseling and has completed professional development programs through Stanford University and the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

In 2017, Andrews ran for the Seventh Ward seat with the backing of the Kingston Democratic Committee. He was defeated in the Democratic primary by former alderman Patrick O’Reilly who also held the Republican and Conservative party lines. Andrews will replace Olivieri who, stepped down in July to take a job as business manager for the Kingston Water Department. Noble, who under the City Charter has sole authority to fill vacant positions in city government, chose Andrews after opening up an application process seeking a replacement for Oliveri.

“I am so pleased to appoint Drew Andrews as alderperson to serve Ward Seven,” said Noble. “Drew works each and every day to improve this community in such a positive manner. I know he will bring the same energy, positivity and inclusive spirit to the role of alderperson. I look forward to working with Drew alongside the Common Council.”

Andrews is Noble’s latest appointment to the nine-member council this year following a wave of resignations. In Ward 6, Bob Dennison was appointed to replace four-term alderman Tony Davis. Sara Pasti was appointed to replace Barbara Hill after winning her Democratic primary contest in Ward 1. All three are running unopposed this fall for a full two-year term on the council beginning Jan. 1.