The Lucas County commissioners will be looking for a new county administrator.
At the board’s October 4 meeting, Megan Vahey Casiere resigned her position, effective December 2, to become CEO for the Employers’ Association in Maumee.
“I am so proud of all we have accomplished as a county in the five years I’ve served as administrator, and I want to thank the commissioners for giving me this incredible opportunity,” Ms. Casiere said. “Lucas County is well-positioned for continued success, and I wish the board and the staff all the best in their future endeavors.”
The commissioners expressed appreciation to Ms. Casiere for her dedication and service to Lucas County. As administrator, she oversees all operations under the commissioners’ direction, including managing 10 departments and hundreds of employees, as well as managing the county’s $750 million annual budget.
“She guided the county through challenging financial times and a global pandemic, and she made smart recommendations to keep the county’s budget strong and bond ratings stable,” explained Commissioner Gary Byers.
“Megan Vahey Casiere is a shining example of what public service should be. Her actions were exclusively for the benefit of our community, and her accomplishments will have a positive impact for years to come,” he added.
“Megan is an unbelievable public servant, and she served Lucas County with distinction,” Commissioner Tina Skeldon-Wozniak said. “I respect her need to explore another avenue, and I know she will continue to find ways to benefit our community. She will be missed, and we wish her well.”
Ms. Casiere worked with the commissioners to establish public-private partnerships that pushed the region forward, including opening the new Glass City Center Powered by ProMedica and the Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites Hotel downtown. The renovated convention center will attract conventions, meetings and events to the region and is expected to generate $800 million in economic impact over the next 20 years.
Economic development and workforce development have been among Ms. Casiere’s top priorities. As president of the Lucas County Economic Development Corporation and Lucas County Builds, she guided investment in major economic projects such as Hensville, the Andersons’ new world headquarters, Dana, and Detroit Manufacturing Systems. She also spearheaded an initiative to build connections between employers and job-seekers through a unified Lucas County Department of Planning and Development, which has received national accreditation for career readiness. The county made much-needed investments in local businesses, arts and cultural institutions, housing and community partners during her tenure.
As administrator, she worked with the commissioners to launch the first department of diversity, equity, and inclusion and began new employee training. The Shared Services building at 3737 West Sylvania Avenue was opened under Ms. Casiere’s leadership, a move that united critical social services and workforce development resources into a one-stop shop for residents, provided a new consolidated home to the board of elections, and created a brand-new data center for the county’s IT infrastructure.
“Ten years ago, Megan had the opportunity to come back home from Washington, and our community is better off because of it,” Commissioner Pete Gerken said. “I wish her all the best.”
Ms. Casiere joined Lucas County in February 2013 as the chief of planning and development and led the workforce investment board before being named administrator in November, 2017. She continued to lead the economic development initiatives while serving as administrator. Ms. Casiere was instrumental in efforts to make major investments in county facilities and made great strides to staff mission- critical departments.
Jessica Ford, deputy administrator, is serving as interim county administrator, effective October 5. Ms. Casiere will assist with the transition to the new administration for the remainder of her employment. She will use earned time to spend with family in November, her last day with the county will be Friday, December 2.
Other Business
In other business, the commissioners:
•Approved the purchase of a 2022 Ford Interceptor for the coroner’s office from Montrose Ford of Akron for $33,633.
•Entered into an agreement with EDF Energy for Electricity at county buildings through May 2025 at a cost not to exceed $3.5 million.
•Agreed to advertise for nursing services for the Corrections Center. The contract would be $728,000 per year with four, one-year renewals.
•Accepted a grant award of $140,478 for the victimwitness assistance program administered by the county prosecutor’s office. The grant requires a $35,120 match.
•Approved an agreement with Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center for domestic violence prevention services at a cost of $118,305.
•Reappointed a number of people to the county workforce development board. They are Andrew Newby, Toledo Spirits Company; Scott Potter, Black and White Transportation; Karyn McConnell, YWCA of Northwest Ohio; Teresa Moore, LIUNA Local 500; Debra Morris, Penta Career Center; Denise Smith, Owens Community College; Michelle McDougall, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, and Valerie Moffitt, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, all to terms expiring October 31, 2024.
Newly appointed are Luke Grable, Directions Credit Union; Robert Savage, Toledo Tomorrow, and Tammi Sherman, Bitwise Industries, with terms running through October 31, 2024. In addition, appointed as replacements are Michael Pfeiffer, Foundation Steel, and Debra Fortney, Northwest State Community College.
•Contracted with Thyssen Krupp Elevator Corporation of Broadview Heights for replacement of the hydraulic elevator cylinder at a cost of $50,858.
•Entered into an agreement with Black and White Transportation for EMS-related medical transportation at a cost not to exceed $17,500.
•Extended a contract with Next Generation Inc., through November 30 for $52,000.
~Jane Maiolo
