YOUNGSTOWN - Derrick McDowell took the oath of office Thursday afternoon to become the 52nd mayor of Youngstown in the main auditorium of East High School.

Following McDowell's oath, the new mayor swore in new Youngstown Fire Chief Courtney Kelly, as well as new Youngstown Police Chief Sharon Cole.

McDowell then took the stand once more to address his electors, thanking them for entrusting him with the role of Mayor of Youngstown.

"I stand in recognition of every single resident of the City of Youngstown. I stand in recognition of everyone who used their voice to vote and place their trust in me. That is a moment that you cannot even imagine. To see a community that you love so dearly come out and use their voice to say, 'we will place our trust in you,'" McDowell said. 

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.

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.

McDowell told his electors about his commitment to serving his city.

"God told me the only way that Youngstown will not take your life is if you give it. You'll never be able to stand before anyone in this community, no matter what happens to me from this moment forward, and say that the City of Youngstown took my life because it is already too late. I've already given it," McDowell said.

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.