ELYRIA, OH – Today, the City of Elyria announced changes to Mayor Frank Whitfield’s administration.
After over a year with the Whitfield Administration and City of Elyria, Assistant Safety Service Director Derek Feuerstein is concluding his tenure on April 6, 2021.
“Derek joined our team just before the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m appreciative of his willingness to jump all-in and help us navigate one of the most challenging times for any leader. We wish him well in his new endeavor, and are sure he’ll be successful.” said Mayor Frank Whitfield.
Derek Feuerstein joined the administration in February of 2020 as Safety Service Director, having previously served as City Manager for the City of Rittman, as well as Deputy Safety Service Director and Chief of Staff for the City of Lorain. In December 2020, Feuerstein transitioned to the role of Assistant Safety Service Director.
“I am proud of the accomplishments we achieved, such as grant funding for new equipment, and updating technologies to better serve our residents.” said Derek “The City of Elyria has a talented team all across the City Departments, and I enjoyed working with them.”
During his time, Derek Feuerstein led departments’ transition to remote and/or scaffolded work during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, negotiated various union contracts within the 2020 calendar year, and supported the administration’s grant writing efforts – including the City’s recent $15,000 award from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) to install electric vehicle charging stations at City Hall.
“I am appreciative of the opportunity Mayor Whitfield provided me, and the chance to serve the residents of Elyria. I am thankful for the support from the employees, Department Directors, and City Council.” shared Feuerstein.
Derek will join the City of Painesville as its Assistant City Manager in April.
Replacing Derek Feuerstein will be Tim Williams, who will serve as an Assistant Safety Service Director with a focus on project management and community partnerships.
“I have worked with Tim Williams for over decade in various capacities, and am excited for him to join our team, and help us execute the vision that Elyria voters elected me to get done.” said Mayor Frank Whitfield “We share a similar value of service and community partnerships that I think will be visible to the community, and felt by our residents.”
Before joining the administration, Williams was elected to serve on the Lorain City Schools Board of Education from 2009 to now, led as the Youth Service Program Director of the Elyria YWCA from 1998 to 2012, and held numerous other board memberships and appointments.
Most notably, Williams developed and co-chaired the Civilian Use of Force Review for the City of Lorain, where his extensive work supported building stronger relationships between law enforcement and communities, and increased training and education of law enforcement officers.
“I’m honored for the opportunity to serve Mayor Whitfield, his administration, and the great city of Elyria.” said Tim Williams “To be able to serve in my hometown in this capacity is truly a privilege – it’s an assignment and a responsibility that I hold in high regard, and I’m enthused to work in collaboration with local leaders and partners as we serve our community and foster a better experiences for those who reside, work, and visit our city.”
Additionally, the City of Elyria is hosting a virtual career fair on April 17 to add more staff to various departments throughout the organization, including roles for a(n):
- Human Resources Director
- Community Development Project Manager
- Project Engineer
- Police Officers
- Information Technology (I.T.) Technician
- And various full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles in most City departments.
Individuals interested in beginning their career with the City of Elyria must register at cityofelyria.org/engage
###