Chardon Council Taps New City Manager
Chardon City Council officially appointed Ben Young, of North Canton, as its new city manager during a special meeting June 28.
Chardon City Council officially appointed Ben Young, of North Canton, as its new city manager during a special meeting June 28.
“I am very excited to serve the community of Chardon. It is a wonderful city from what I have seen, a great community and wonderful services,” Young said via text July 1. “I hope to help the city continue to grow and improve for as long as I have the privilege of being manager.”
The search for a manager to replace outgoing City Manager Randy Sharpe stretched far and wide — with applicants from Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee and Maryland, as well as Ohio, city council said in a June 28 press release.
“Many of those seeking this opportunity expressed their desire to return to Northeast Ohio where they either grew up or currently have relatives,” Chardon Mayor Chris Grau said in the release. “All commented on the beauty of our city, especially our historic square and their desire to call Chardon home. It confirmed what we already knew. The city of Chardon is a great place to live and work. We are excited to welcome Mr. Young and all of his experience to fill the role
of Chardon city manager and director of public safety.”
Unlike applicants from Tennessee and Maryland, Young was found much closer to home in North Canton.
Young — who has a bachelor of arts degree from Walsh University in government and foreign affairs and a master’s degree in public administration from Ohio University — is currently deputy director of administration in North Canton. Prior to that role, he served as the public policy analyst, IT systems manager, director of legislation / clerk of council and civil service secretary, according to the press release.
Young will be stepping into the shoes of Sharpe, who is retiring after 23 years of service to the city in September.
Grau emphasized Sharpe’s hard work and dedication.
“His enthusiasm for city improvements, for assuming local leadership roles aside from city administration and for his dedication to planning for the city’s future are greatly appreciated,” Grau said. “We thank him for his service and wish him all the best in retirement.”
Sharpe, who was not involved in the selection or interview process for his replacement, is looking forward to helping onboard Young, who officially starts Aug. 11.
“I look forward to meeting him and to working with him to ensure a smooth transition of the city manager’s office,” Sharpe said.
His final day of employment with the city will be Sept. 2.
