CINCINNATI — The City of Cincinnati will soon have a new city manager and the new person filling this role will be the youngest woman to do it.
Cincinnati’s current Assistant City Manager, Sheryl Long, is expected to be the city’s newest city manager.
“Just seeing the amazing work that this council, in addition to the mayor, was trying to set up, I knew that I wanted to be a part of that and helping them carry it out even further,” said Long.
Long was one of 21 applicants to apply for the position. She’s been in her current role since 2019.
“I love working with Mayor Aftab,” she said. “I think he’s amazing. He has a great vision and many of our goals align with each other.”
As the city manager, she will be responsible for day-to-day operations of city government and serve as the chief administrator- working hand in hand with the mayor.
Although both the mayor and city manager share similar roles, the mayor is elected, but city the manager is not. One of her major goals is to make sure that everyone has a seat at the table and access to city hall.
“How do we arm our directors with the tools needed so that they feel comfortable in going out in the community and making sure that they are getting to the right places in the community?” Long said. “Making sure that we’re not just hitting the people that come through the door, but also the people who usually don’t walk through our door.”
Besides that, she said one of her biggest tasks will be filling the city’s chief of police position.
“We are open and ready for business and although, just like with me, you never know, it could be internal talent,” Long said. “But also we want to make sure that you know that if you are ready to lead and you think you’re the right person, come and join us in Cincinnati.”
Long will Cincinnati’s youngest woman to become city manager. Taking on this responsibility is something she said she takes seriously.
“I’m harder on myself than anybody could ever be, especially wanting to make sure this mayor looks amazing in addition to the council,” Long said. “But I also understand that it takes me to make sure that other people come in behind me.”
On Sept. 1, the city council will vote on whether to make her city manager. If they vote in favor of her, she will begin her role immediately.
“I love to smile,” Long said. “I love to be the sparkle in City Hall and the great thing is I’ll speak to any other leader out there. Don’t think you have to be somebody else in order to be chosen. Be authentically yourself and I’m telling you what- the right place will accept you for who you are.”
