Photo: facebook.com/cityofcincy
Sheryl Long speaks after being sworn in as Cincinnati's new city manager on Sept. 1, 2022.
The city of Cincinnati has a new manager.
Cincinnati City Council unanimously approved Sheryl Long as city manager during a Sept. 1 special session. Mayor Aftab Pureval had recommended Long for the position after conducting a national search.
Long’s tenure as Cincinnati's 18th city manager began at 3 p.m. Sept. 1. In her role, Long will oversee about 6,000 employees and nearly 20 departments. She had been serving as assistant city manager since 2019
“I’m honored for the privilege of being chosen as city manager and the opportunity to continue to do great work for our mayor and city council,” Long said after she was sworn in at City Hall. “I am proud to be the city's youngest female city manager and second Black female to fill this role. It's rare to have a woman rise to the level of influence in city government and even more rare for it to be a woman of color.”
“And to this amazing city: I became the person I am today thanks to relationships I built here within a community. I love this city and promise to all Cincinnatians we are here for you,” Long said. “We will strive to make the best place to live, work and visit. No matter where you come from, we are in this together. The administration is committed to serving you and moving Cincinnati forward.”
Prior to her work in Cincinnati government, Long was was the city administrator for North College Hill, serving as its communications lead before that, according to Long's LinkedIn profile and government biography. She has a bachelor of arts from Miami University.
Long was up against John Curp for the city manager position. Curp had been serving as interim city manager since January after Paula Boggs Muething left the role.
In December while still mayor-elect, Pureval announced that he would launch a national search to replace Boggs Muething once his administration took office. On Aug. 17, Pureval said that his team began with 21 applicants, interviewed five and then selected Long and Curp as finalists. He recommended Long as his choice Aug. 26.
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