Administrator heads to Mentor

Concord Township Administrator Kathy Mitchell begins Jan. 16 as planning administrator of Mentor

For Concord Township’s administrator, the new year is bringing a new career opportunity.

On Dec. 29 during the Board of Trustees year-end meeting, trustees Connie Luhta, Paul Malchesky and Christopher Galloway accepted the resignation of Kathy Mitchell, who joined the township as planning and zoning director in 2002, a position she held for 11 years.

Mitchell was appointed township administrator four years ago. She also served as Joint Economic Development District administrator.

An official job posting to fill the position will be made available on the township’s website in the next few weeks, according to the trustees.

Mitchell departs Concord Township to fill the planning administrator position in the city of Mentor, vacated by the retiring Aric Spence.

Mitchell, who resides in Mentor, holds a master’s degree from Cleveland State University. She will begin her new role Jan. 16. Her final day with Concord Township will be Jan. 12.

“Working for Concord Township for the last 15 years, I can’t say enough,” she said. “This is a personal and professional decision, and it’s bittersweet.

I have so many friends here. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity that has been given to me. I am extremely grateful to everyone and the work I was able to do, it’s made me a better planner. I got a lot of great economic development exposure in my roles with Concord.

“My background is in planning and economic development, it’s what I do best, and the opportunity to work for a city is exciting. It’s a new challenge and I’m looking forward to it.”

Galloway said the board will work diligently over the next couple of months to engage in a broad search for a new administrator.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to find a candidate who can fill the large shoes Kathy leaves behind,” he said. “We look forward to engaging with the public in that process as we move forward as well.

“We’re very happy for Kathy in terms of this being a great opportunity in her career development. She’s been a valued member of the Concord family for the last 15 years and we will greatly miss her on a daily basis — her professionalism, her valued input and her friendship.”

Mitchell said her support and belief in Concord Township’s leadership remains unshaken, adding she’s had the pleasure to work with Malchesky and Galloway since they were both first elected over 12 years ago, and Luhta, who was a trustee on the board which hired her.

“Concord’s leadership will continue to move forward and develop great economic opportunities in a smart, proactive and efficient manner, I’m confident of that,” she said. “I’ve watched the development of every major plan (there) to date. I feel a part of it. They will continue to work to make Concord a better place, and it will always be my second home.”

Mitchell