Member Updates

From the Dayton Daily News

Washington Twp. Administrator Jesse Lightle will resign from that position effective Jan. 15, and will take on a vice president role at Sinclair Community College..

Lightle has served as administrator of Montgomery County’s largest township since July 2006 and has helped Washington Twp. experience the largest residential growth in the county over the past decade, township officials said.

Lightle told this news outlet the thing she is most proud of in her 16 years on the job is the township’s staff and the team that has been built.

“Our staff truly care about our residents and the services they provide,” she said. “I feel honored to work alongside such a phenomenal group of dedicated public servants and it is certainly what I will miss most about the position.”

Sharon Lowry, president of the Washington Twp. Board of Trustees, said the trustees will meet in the coming weeks to determine the process and timeline for hiring a new administrator.

“Our initial plans are to hire a search firm to assist us with the recruitment efforts,” she said.

Lightle recently facilitated the land purchase, construction and funding of the new Washington Twp. Fire Station 41 on Franklin Street, and navigated three successful cycles of accreditation of the fire department. In 2015, she oversaw the creation of the Enrichment Center, now the Joyce C. Young Center, and in 2020, finalized the township’s rebranding, including the streetscape enhancement plan, township officials said.

Lightle said when she first started with the township, it was seeing the beginning of increased residential and economic growth.

“It slowed down during 2008 and then, over the past 10 years, we have experienced some of the most robust and healthy growth in the township’s history,” she said. “Thanks to the leadership of our elected officials and staff, this growth has been controlled and measured. Washington Twp. has so much to offer, and it’s been exciting to share that with our regional partners and watch more families and businesses call the township home.”

Lightle will assume the position of senior vice president and chief of staff for Sinclair Community College starting Jan. 16. Adam Murka, who has worked in that role for more than a decade, is leaving to start his own business, said Cathy Petersen, Sinclair’s chief of public information.

”I strongly believe that the students who attend Sinclair will shape the workforce and economy of Ohio for years to come, and I’m eager to be part of that,” Lightle said.

Lightle said she and her family plan to continue residing in the township.

Lowry said township officials are “so grateful” for Lightle’s many contributions to the community.

“Washington Twp. has never been in a stronger position than it is now and much of that is owed to Jesse’s foresight and leadership,” Lowry said. “There are a lot of projects and initiatives that simply would not have been accomplished if it weren’t for her.”

Eric Wobser announced that he will be leaving his position as Sandusky City Manager effective at the end of day Friday, November 11, 2022. Wobser has been named co-director of the transition team for Cuyahoga County Executive-Elect Chris Ronayne and will assume the role of Ronayne’s Chief of Staff when he officially takes office in January.

“Being City Manager of my hometown has been a dream job for me,” said Wobser. “I’m proud of everything we were able to accomplish over the past eight years and I’m grateful for the leadership of our City Commission, the dedication and hard work of our city staff, and our committed community partners who helped make it all possible. I know that the future is bright for Sandusky.”

Wobser was hired as Sandusky’s City Manager in 2014 after previously serving as Executive Director of Ohio City, Inc. in Cleveland. In his new role as chief of staff at Cuyahoga County, Wobser will help oversee the second largest government entity in the state of Ohio which employees over 4,500 people and has a budget of over $1.5 billion. The City Commission was informed of the possibility of Wober’s departure in mid-October.

 “Eric has guided this city for the past eight years to a level of success that is unmatched in our history,” said City Commission President Dick Brady.  “Sandusky is blessed with a very capable staff that will continue to perform their jobs to ensure that the momentum provided by Eric continues. The trajectory of our city has been forever changed by Eric’s leadership. This commission thanks him and wishes him continued success.”

During a special meeting on the evening of Thursday, November 10, the Sandusky City Commission appointed Assistant City Manager John Orzech as Interim City Manager. Orzech has served as assistant city manager since January 2020, having previously served as the chief of police for seven years. The Commission appointed Chief Neighborhood Development Officer Colleen Gilson as Interim Assistant City Manger. Gilson joined the city in July 2022, previously serving as Vice President of CDC Advancement at Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and the executive director of the Cleveland Neighborhood Development Coalition.  

The City Commission will begin the process of launching a search for Wobser’s permanent replacement.  

“The city will forever be grateful for Eric’s dedication, commitment, and championing Sandusky’s successes over his tenure as City Manager,” said Assistant City Manager John Orzech. “I will work closely with the Commissioners, directors and staff to keep Sandusky’s positive momentum going forward, until a new City Manager is named.  It is an honor to serve the citizens of Sandusky in this new role and I thank the Commission for their trust in me during this transition period.” 

The city of Mentor is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert M. Fowler to the position of Assistant City Manager.

Fowler brings extensive experience in economic and community development, public safety, municipal operations, finance, grant writing, and project management, as well as a passion for public service, to his new role.

“All my life, I have served the public in various capacities, including working as a runner for the Board of Elections to becoming a city administrator.  My passion for public service was furthered during graduate school, when I became more aware of the profession and the impact a person would have in this role on the constituency,” says Fowler.

“Mr. Fowler has a proven record of success in public administration and economic development in several Ohio communities.  He brings energy and a desire to raise the level of public service effectiveness wherever he goes.  I have confidence he is ready to serve the residents of Mentor well,” says Mentor City Manager Kenneth J. Filipiak.

When asked what attracted him to the position, Fowler remarked that, “Mentor is an amazing city with a diverse economy.  It is one of the most coveted positions in the State of Ohio.  It is an amazing place to live, work and play.  This is also an opportunity to work with a great team of professionals, while gaining additional knowledge and experience.”

Most recently, Fowler served as the Administrative Officer for the city of Norton, Ohio, a position he held since 2017, and is proud of the role he played in attracting grant funding to that city from a variety of county, state, and federal sources. Under his leadership, Norton was awarded over $10 million in funding for various infrastructure projects.

His previous Ohio experience includes serving as Director of Public Safety and Service in Lorain, Director of Administration in Wooster, and Village Administrator in Carollton.

Fowler attended the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University where he earned a Master of Public Administration, a Graduate Certificate in Local and Urban Management, and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Safety Management. He currently serves as the President of the Ohio City/County Management Association.

Jack Cameron has been appointed Silverton’s Village Manager. Cameron, who previously served as the Township Administrator for Delphi Township, joined Silverton in October, replacing Tom Carroll who assumed a position in Maryland.

Kettering City Council is pleased to announce the selection of Matt Greeson to serve as Kettering’s next city manager effective January 1, 2023. Mr. Greeson will start his service on December 12 in a transitionary capacity. He will succeed Kettering’s sixth City Manager, Mark Schwieterman, who will continue his role through December 31, 2022.

Mr. Greeson emerged as the top candidate resulting from an extensive recruitment process. He has been serving the City of Worthington, Ohio, since 2007. He brings to Kettering over 26 years of local government experience with a strong record of forming partnerships, fostering fiscal stability and economic success, leading talented teams, and improving organizations and community quality of life. A resolution to approve Mr. Greeson’s contract will be voted upon by City Council on Tuesday, October 11, at the regularly-scheduled meeting at 7:30 p.m., at 3600 Shroyer Road.

Mayor Peggy Lehner stated, “It is City Council’s goal to ensure that Kettering’s next city manager brings outstanding, proven leadership skills to the position to continue the level of service at which residents and businesses are accustomed. The needs and aspirations of our community are paramount, and our goal was to find the right candidate committed to continuing Kettering’s strong tradition of collaboration, engagement and partnership. Conducting a national search allowed us to speak with a diverse group of candidates to ensure we chose the best fit for our community.”

City Council began the nationwide search process with Slavin Management Consultants earlier this year in preparation for the departure of current City Manager Mark Schwieterman, who announced his intention to retire after more than three decades of public service with the City of Kettering. Kettering city managers include Ervin Welch 1954-1975; John Laney 1976-1979; Phil Hawkey 1980-1981; Robert Walker 1982-1990; Steven Husemann 1990-2006; and Mark Schwieterman currently serving since 2006.

Greeson says he is committed to upholding the expectations of excellence in Kettering ensuring that the City’s exceptional employees maintain world-class services and amenities for residents, businesses and patrons. He is also committed to maintaining strong infrastructure and driving economic development in support of City Council’s goals, as well as engaging with Kettering’s residents, neighborhoods, businesses and other community stakeholders.

“Mr. Greeson succeeds six incredible leaders who have furthered the health and vitality of our city, and City Council is confident in his ability to enhance Kettering’s vision and strategic framework through sustainability, connection and resiliency,” said Mayor Lehner.

“I am honored that Kettering’s Mayor and City Council are providing me the opportunity to serve as the City’s seventh city manager,” Mr. Greeson said. “Kettering is a vibrant and friendly city known for its safety, inclusivity, innovation, economic vitality and natural beauty. I am excited to work collaboratively with Council, City employees, residents and the business community as we advance the many important initiatives already underway, along with new possibilities. My family will soon call Kettering home, and with that comes a strong commitment to this community and a vested interest in providing the best quality of life and environment in which our residents and businesses can thrive.”

Personally, Greeson stated he is excited to attend music events at Fraze Pavilion, watching games at Trent Arena, and enjoying the incredible parks, recreation and cultural arts facilities with his family. Professionally, he added that Kettering represents an ideal opportunity for collaboration and commitment to community building.

Greeson served the City of Worthington, Ohio, as city manager since 2007. Prior to his current position, Mr. Greeson served Volusia County, Florida, for 12 years where he rose to the position of Deputy County Manager. Mr. Greeson holds a Master in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Stetson University.

He is a member of the International City/County Management Association and the Ohio City/County Management Association. Greeson fosters rich professional relationships with many community, county and regional partners. He served as chair and vice chair of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, inaugural chair of the Central Ohio Interoperable Radio System Board of Directors, Central Ohio Mayors and Managers Association, Dublin-Worthington Rotary Club and the Worthington CARES Coalition–a group aimed at reducing substance abuse and improving mental health among youth.

Napoleon City council said farewell to outgoing City Manager Joel Mazur during its first meeting of October.

Mazur announced last month his plans to take the administrator’s job in Oregon, a Toledo suburb.

Hudson City Council voted unanimously to appoint Thomas Sheridan as Hudson City Manager at the October 4, 2022, Council Meeting. Thom has been Interim City Manager since March of 2022. The selection was made after a nationwide search for candidates for the position.  

“Thom Sheridan has the experience in the community, the respect of an overwhelming majority of his coworkers, and the trust of Council, which will all help him succeed in the City Manager role. Combined with his tenure, engineering mindset, and fact-based attitude, I cannot imagine a more qualified individual,” said Council President Chris Foster.

“I am truly honored the Hudson City Council unanimously selected me as the new City Manager to lead the city. Hudson is a vibrant and historic city with the finest schools and neighborhoods, world-class companies, and a safe place to live. As a long-time employee of the city, I understand the historic characteristics of the city, and I will strive to protect the charm that makes Hudson an excellent community in which to live, work and visit. I am dedicated to driving economic development to help support the Council’s goals for the future, and I will ensure the excellent service all of our employees provide the city,” said Thom Sheridan.

In addition to being the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Hudson, the position is also the Director of Public Safety for the city. Along with his City Manager duties, Thom will continue with his previous responsibilities as Assistant City Manager (ACM), and the ACM position will be eliminated.

Thom brings more than 30 years’ experience to the position. Most recently, as Interim City Manager, he was responsible for daily operations of all the city departments. Prior to the Interim City Manager appointment, Thom became Assistant City Manager in 2017. His responsibilities included overseeing Engineering, Community Development, Communications and HCTV, as well as managing the annual capital projects, capital budgeting, and project scheduling. 

From 2008 to 2017, Thom was Hudson’s City Engineer. His responsibilities included overseeing the annual capital budget, including major grant funding, project scheduling, and department personnel. As City Engineer, he supervised the project management and coordination with businesses and residents to construct projects that would have the least impact for the public. Since 2008, he is most proud of obtaining over $30 million in grant funding for the City.

Prior to joining Hudson, Thom was the Assistant Service Director for the City of Stow, Ohio. He was responsible for managing approximately 100 employees in multiple departments. He joined the City of Stow as Assistant City Engineer in 2002. Prior to this, he was a consultant for an engineering firm. He also worked in Stow in 1995-2000 as a design engineer.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in Civil Engineering from Youngstown State University. Thom is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Ohio and Pennsylvania; a Professional Surveyor in Ohio; a Certified Class II Water Distribution Operator; and a Certified Floodplain Manager. He currently lives in Stow with his wife and 4 children. He will be relocating to Hudson in the future for this position.

City Manager Doug Lewis announced his appointment of Tony Zampedro to the position of Assistant City Manager of Painesville. 

“I’m looking forward to having Tony be part of the City of Painesville’s management team,” said Lewis. “His wealth of experience and knowledge are extremely impressive and will benefit the City greatly. I look forward to working together to move the community, and our many exciting projects, forward.”

Zampedro comes from Painesville Township, where he recently was appointed Administrator. Prior to the position, Zampedro served as the Assistant City Manager for 16 years at the City of Mentor. He also served as Law Director for the City of Parma and City of Conneaut throughout his career. He is a graduate of the University of Toledo College of Law and holds a Masters of Public Administration from Cleveland State University. 

“Painesville is a community that I have had a long-time desire to become a part of their professional city management team. From its historic downtown, county seat status, hometown to a four-year college, multiple municipal utilities and exciting community and economic development opportunities, Painesville is an ideal place for me to apply my experience and education to best serve its residents,” said Zampedro. “I am very enthused to be joining City Manager Lewis’ administration.”

The role opened after former Painesville Assistant City Manager, Derek Feuerstein, announced his departure in mid-September. Zampedro is expected to start his new position by early December.