YOUNGSTOWN - Derrick McDowell will take the oath of office today to become the 52nd mayor of Youngstown. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the main auditorium of East High School.

The event is free and open to the public. Doors at the school, located at 474 Bennington Ave., will open at 12:30 p.m.

McDowell, an independent candidate and local businessman, defeated incumbent Democrat Jamael Tito Brown in the November election. McDowell finished with 4,570 votes to 3,669 for Brown, who was seeking a third term.

The ceremony will begin with a spoken word introduction and the national anthem. Following an invocation and a period of reflection, McDowell will take the mayoral oath. He will then swear in his cabinet, including the city's fire and police chiefs, before delivering his inauguration address.

McDowell is a native of the city’s South Side and a graduate of Chaney High School. He is the founder of The Youngstown Flea and previously worked as a coordinator for the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre. He also spent 12 years in leadership at AT&T.

During his campaign, McDowell focused on economic development, education, and government transparency. He said he intends to improve communication between City Hall and local neighborhoods.

McDowell has stated that his administration will work toward a vision he calls “reclaiming our identity.” He told supporters after his election victory that the city must move forward and focus on rebuilding its industries.

McDowell is the first independent candidate to win the mayor's office in Youngstown since Jay Williams in 2005.