New Albany City Council voted Tuesday, Oct. 20, to name Michael Stevens as the city's next city manager, ending a months-long search to replace retiring nearly-27-year incumbent Joseph Stefanov.
Stevens most recently served as director of development for Columbus, a role he held since April 2020. Before that, he was Columbus's first chief innovation officer, leading the Smart Columbus initiative. The council voted at its regular meeting at New Albany Village Hall to authorize negotiation and execution of an employment agreement with Stevens, according to the city's announcement.
All seven council members were present: Marlene Brisk, Michael Durik, Kasey Kist, John McClelland, Matt Shull, Andrea Wiltrout and Mayor Sloan Spalding. Spalding said in a statement that Stevens brings experience in municipal leadership, economic development and innovation.
Stevens's résumé spans public and private sectors. He served as Columbus's deputy development director from 2007 to 2012, then led Lake County Partners, an economic development corporation in Lake County, Illinois, as president and CEO from 2012 to 2017.
He also held posts as director of economic development for Dublin and assistant service director for Huron, Ohio. In the private sector, he worked in the corporate real estate group at Cardinal Health. He holds degrees from Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business and John Glenn College of Public Affairs.
The search began in January after council interviewed the firm MGT at its Jan. 20 meeting. MGT senior consultant Maureen Berry told council that New Albany was an interesting community that seemed like two cities in one, according to the meeting minutes. Council Member Durik asked about the kind of candidate the firm would seek. Berry said MGT would look for someone with experience running a city and working with both government and corporate entities.
Stefanov, the city's longest-serving professional chief executive, started on Jan. 3, 2000, when New Albany had about 3,300 residents and a staff of 20. The city has since grown to roughly 11,250 residents across nearly 22.3 square miles, with more than 150 full-time employees.
Stefanov said he set three goals when he started: build a workplace where employees could grow, create a financially strong organization and develop lasting infrastructure.
"I believe we've accomplished all three of these goals during my 27 years with the City," Stefanov said in the city's announcement.
Spalding thanked Stefanov on behalf of council, citing his commitment to strategic planning and financial management.
