New economic development leader hired in Centerville

Centerville has filled two key leadership positions, which finishes a months-long process of hiring for several important spots in the city’s government.

City Manager Wayne Davis announced the appointment of Mariah Butler Vogelgesang to the position of assistant city manager and Holly Christmann as economic development administrator.

“They both bring outstanding leadership qualities, sound values, management skills and business acumen to their respective positions,” he said.

Davis said the city had been looking to fill those two roles and the police chief position since the jobs were posted on April 27. In July, Centerville appointed Matt Brown to serve as the city’s police chief.

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Vogelgesang has been a public sector administrator at Purdue University and most recently Cleveland State University, where for the past five years she served as the associate director of the Office of Institutional Equity.

She was responsible for daily operations, policy implementation, compliance initiatives, and large scale change management. Prior to working in higher education, she practiced law in the Dayton area.

A native of Zanesville, Vogelgesang is a graduate of the University of Mary Washington and the University of Dayton School of Law. Her duties will include a variety of administrative functions and providing leadership in strategic initiatives.

Christmann comes to Centerville from Hamilton County, where she was employed for 22 years, serving the past five years as director of environmental services. As director, she worked with county environmental initiatives, managed a $7 million budget and worked closely with businesses and communities.

Originally from Defiance, Christmann has a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Affairs and Environmental Science from Indiana University. Christmann will work to attract, retain and develop new businesses to Centerville.

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