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Mentor Names OCMA President Robert Fowler New Assistant City Manager

October 27, 2022 in Member Updates

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.