Toledo Mayor Bell restructures staff

Press Release:

Mayor restructures executive staff

Toledo Mayor Michael P. Bell today announced changes to several executive staff positions in the administration.

Deputy Mayor Tom Crothers will move to the Department of Public Utilities to spearhead special projects including the work to study a regional water system, implementation of the SAP computer system upgrade and focusing on customer service.

Paul Syring will serve as acting Deputy Mayor of External Relations and all oversee the departments of inspection and neighborhoods. Mr. Syring has served as General Counsel for the city and has served as the legal counsel for economic development projects for the city. As acting Deputy Mayor he will be compensated at $85,000 annually.

Mr. Syring will be aided by Jill Pershing, who will serve as acting commissioner of economic development. Ms. Pershing has been with the city for 17 years working in development and currently serves as manager, administering and monitoring economic development loans, façade grants and administrative services for the department. She will be compensated at a rate of $70,000 annually in her new role.

“My job as Mayor is to make sure the ship keeps sailing regardless of who fills individual roles,” said Mayor Bell. “I appreciate the work Tom has done on behalf of the city and look forward to his ongoing contribution. I’m glad I can count on Paul and Jill to step up to the plate when they are needed.” He added, “Each of our staff members have unique attributes to contribute to the city and I work to keep monitoring those skills to make the best use of them for our community.”

The staff members will work collaboratively over the course of the week to transition to their new roles and the changes will be in full effect beginning Monday, August 27.

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