Several local government leaders apply for top position in Washington Twp.

Large Montgomery County township must replace longtime administrator Lightle, who took job at Sinclair

Washington Twp. trustees recently interviewed five candidates who are vying to become the township’s next administrator — Charlotte Colley, Kristofer McClintick, Mark Metzger, Michael Thonnerieux and Kevin Weaver.

Four of the five currently work for county, city or township governments in the Miami Valley, while Weaver previously worked in the Dayton area before moving to a job in the Columbus area.

Jesse Lightle served as administrator of Washington Twp. — Montgomery County’s largest township — from July 2006 until last week. She left the position to take on a vice president role at Sinclair Community College.

At their Dec. 12 meeting, township trustees appointed Development Director Ryan Lee as interim township administrator, effective Monday. Eighteen people initially applied for the position.

The five named candidates interviewed with the township last week. There is no specific timeline in place for hiring a new administrator, according to township spokeswoman Kate Trangenstein.

Charlotte Colley

Colley serves as the county commissioners’ administrator for Miami County. She has experience as village administrator of the village of New Concord, senior project manager for New Albany and management assistant for the city of Dublin, according to her letter of interest. In addition to her roles with area governments, Colley worked for Management Partners Inc. of Cincinnati as a management analyst.

“My goal in any position I have held has always been to serve the public, and those within my organization, to the best of my abilities while continually improving and refining the way services are provided or internal processes are managed,” Colley said in her letter. “I feel that my experience, skills and commitment to professional and ethical local government management are consistent with the expectations for this role.”

Kris McClintick

McClintick has served as township administrator of Harrison Twp. in Montgomery County for the past eight years. He has more than 25 years experience in local government operations, most of it in Harrison Twp. That includes three years as assistant township administrator, eight years as development director and three years as assistant development director, according to his letter of interest. Before that he served as planning coordinator for the city of Sidney and planning aide of the city of Xenia.

In his letter, McClintick emphasized that he would be able to transition into the job quickly. “I have worked in Montgomery County for over 22 years and am connected to all the county officials,” he said. “Harrison Township also contracts with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and I am familiar with their contract and have worked with all their command staff.”

Mark Metzger

Metzger serves as recreation director and interim human resources director for Washington Twp. His previous experiences includes working as senior recreation supervisor for the township and as company manager with California Theatre Center and theatre production staff at Miami University, according to his letter of interest.

“I am purposeful and strategic in my approach to collaboration, team management, and building consensus, while providing the leadership tools necessary for success,” Metzger said in the letter. “Washington Township needs such skills to continue to flourish.”

Michael Thonnerieux

Thonnerieux serves as the city of Beavercreek’s public administrative services director. His previous experience includes director/superintendent of Beavercreek’s Department of Parks Recreation and Culture, and recreation program supervisor for the same entity, according to his letter of interest.

“My education has taught me to be a critical thinker,” Thonnerieux said in the letter. “Learning how to look at trends and issues with a critical eye in order to determine what obstacles or barriers may inhibit a project or proposal is a skill I can bring to the Township.”

Kevin Weaver

Weaver has served as director of public service in the Columbus suburb of Westerville for more than eight years. He previously was Oakwood’s director of engineering and public works for 12 years. Before that, he worked for national engineering firm LJB Inc.

“My experience leading a wide range of public works operations at a well-regarded suburb has prepared me well to manage the high expectations which are necessary to create a robust quality of life within a community,” Weaver said in the letter. “Living in the cities which I have served has also given me a direct understanding of the importance of providing these services that are critical to daily life and a community’s economic vitality.”

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