Cleveland Heights has a new city manager

The 14-month search for a new Cleveland Heights city manager is over. On June 14, the city announced the selection of Tanisha R. Briley, assistant city manager of Davenport, Iowa, and a Cleveland native.

“The city council is pleased to have found someone who can lead our city into the future,” said Mayor Edward J. Kelley in a press release.

Briley holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The Ohio State University and a Master of Public Administration from Cleveland State University.

“It’s an honor to have been selected. Cleveland is home for me. I’m looking forward to joining the Cleveland Heights community,” Briley said.

In 2006 Briley moved to Davenport, and began her career as a management analyst. 

“Tanisha Briley brings strong analytical and interpersonal skills to the position, as well as a commitment to diversity and quality of life issues. We are looking forward to working with her on new initiatives for our community,” said Kelley.

Briley has worked in budget development, sustainability programs and community outreach programs. She is a member of the International City/County Manager Association (ICMA) and has chaired several national committees.

“The residents of Cleveland Heights are very engaged. I have experience working with a diverse community and engaged residents,” Briley said.

The mayor and law director are drafting the contract for her to take over responsibilities from Susanna Niermann O’Neil, assistant city manager, who has been acting city manager for the past 14 months.

The city manager position opened up after the resignation of longtime city manager Robert C. Downey in 2012. Downey served for 27 years beginning in 1985. Following his resignation, the city enlisted the help of the Novak Consulting Group and received 68 applications for the position. In March 2013, the city interviewed four finalists and offered the job to Andrew White who, for personal and professional reasons, declined the offer. 

With no clear second choice, the city began to begin the search again.

Briley was one of three finalists interviewed for the position in June 2013. Tom Carroll, city manager of Loveland, Ohio, and Richard White, assistant manager for administrative and community services of Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Athens, Ga, also interviewed for the position.

Though no start date has been set, Briley said she is looking forward to returning home.

Camille Davis

Camille Davis is a senior journalism major at Ohio University and a summer intern for the Heights Observer

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Volume 6, Issue 7, Posted 4:39 PM, 06.14.2013