MEET JIMMY OLIVER
2025 CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR | SYRACUSE, NY
Jimmy Oliver is a proud, lifelong resident of Syracuse. He was born on the city’s East Side and currently calls home the West Side, but has lived on each side of town along the way where he has maintained long-standing relationships. Growing up with his six siblings under the guidance of their mother, Suzette Bivens, who passed away from breast cancer in 1997, Jimmy learned the importance of family, hard work, and integrity. His mother’s lessons—always giving your best, acting with respect, and staying grounded in your roots—have shaped the values Jimmy carries into everything he does.
Jimmy attended Delaware Elementary School and Levy Middle School before graduating from Henninger High School. His commitment to education led him to Cazenovia College and LeMoyne College where he studied Inclusive Elementary Education and Social Studies. Jimmy participated in sports all throughout childhood, as well as baseball in high school and college.
Jimmy’s career began in 2002 at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Syracuse, where he served in a myriad of roles; Assistant Gym Director, Teen Director, Director of Baseball Operations and Unit Director to name a few. During his tenure, Jimmy reestablished the Reviving Baseball In Inner Cities (RBI) Program, which was a partnership between Major League Baseball and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation that brought sports and mentorship to youth in underserved communities. As Unit Director, Jimmy created a clean, safe and fun environment for youth, parents, volunteers and support staff to engage via strategic planning, team development and program implementation. In 2012, Jimmy accepted the position of Club Director with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond, VA. In 2015, Jimmy was recruited to be the Director of Program Operations at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lynchburg where his staff guided students through a program called Be Great, Graduate to help increase graduation rates for kids living in poverty. Jimmy later took over a leadership role with the Lynchburg Parks & Recreation Department where he forged partnerships between schools, local businesses and organizations to provide mentorship and lifestyle programming to youth and family members 55+ at the Jackson Street Community Center. Programming included healthy living and healthy relationship guidance, cooking classes, gardening basics and other life skills designed to improve their mental and physical well-being.
Jimmy’s leadership extends well beyond his professional roles. As Director of Community Engagement for the Syracuse Police Department, he has been a key figure in bridging the gap between law enforcement and local youth. Through initiatives like the Police Athletic League (PAL), Jimmy has fostered positive relationships between young people and the police. Under his leadership, more than 5,500 kids, 260 law enforcement officers, and 35 local businesses came together to bring PAL to life in Syracuse. This collaborative effort has earned Syracuse PAL official recognition as a Charter by the National PAL Organization. Additionally, Jimmy created a lifeguard training program that not only provides young adults with valuable job opportunities but also equips them with important life skills.
In 2018, Jimmy returned home to a role with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Syracuse before accepting an appointment from Mayor Ben Walsh as Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs - the third largest Department in the City of Syracuse with over 600 staff members. In his role as Deputy Commissioner, Jimmy revitalized key community spaces like the Westmoreland Community Center on the East Side, turning a five-year vacancy into a vibrant hub for families. His work earned him recognition as one of Central New York’s 40 Under 40 in 2020 and Citizen of the Year by the Chi Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in 2022.
Jimmy credits the people and programs in his neighborhood for getting him where he is today. Drawing on his experience, Jimmy believes the success of Syracuse hinges on the development of strong neighborhood support systems. As Mayor, Jimmy will bring the same dedication, experience, and heart to his leadership that he has put forth in each one of his previous roles. His vision for Syracuse is one of unity and opportunity—a city where every neighborhood thrives, every resident is heard, and all people have a chance to succeed. Jimmy is focused on building on the progress the city has made, while working to address the areas that need improvement. With his proven track record of results and his unwavering love for his hometown, Jimmy is ready to lead Syracuse to a stronger, safer, and more vibrant place to LIVE, EAT, SLEEP & PLAY.
Jimmy looks forward to connecting.
Jimmy Oliver
2025 Candidate For Mayor, Syracuse, NY
