The city’s interim city manager talks about home.

He steps in at challenging time

Monica Dupee has temporarily stepped away from her role as Painesville city manager as she takes maternity leave, and Assistant City Manager Doug Lewis has filled in during her absence as interim city manager.

His temporary role began May 19 and is scheduled to end by Sept. 1.

Lewis grew up in Grove City, Pa. He attended the local high school before majoring in political science at Wittenberg University.

He later attended graduate school at Ohio State University of Public Policy and Management; renamed the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

“I have never held an elected position on the City Council,” Doug Lewis said. “I, as most city managers, attended school and then worked my way up to the position.”

While attending graduate school, Lewis interned in the city manager’s office for Upper Arlington in Franklin County. After graduate school, he was hired as a management intern with the city of Thornton, Colorado. From there, Lewis became the Midwest director for The Innovation Group.

“We assisted local governments in networking with one another and made them aware of new technologies and innovation in local government,” he explained.

It was after this period that Lewis became assistant city manager for Huber Heights.

“During my time in Huber Heights I also served in a number of roles, including interim city manager.

Lewis eventually left Ohio to work as the assistant city manager/director for support services for North Point, Florida.

“I returned to Ohio when I was offered the position of city manager in Conneaut,” he said “This is where I met my wife Meghan and started our family. After serving as city manager for four years, I was recruited to serve as the assistant city manager/community development director for Painesville.”

He’s since made Painesville his home and been a familiar face throughout public events and local attractions, not only in his role within the administration but as a resident. It was at the city’s Recreation Park where Lewis recalls his daughter catching her first fish during a fishing derby.

“My family and I enjoy living in Painesville because it is a safe community and has a lot to offer,” he said. “Specifically, we enjoy the numerous events that are offered throughout the year — from car cruises to summer day camp to Party in the Park to summer concert series to Trunk or Treat to Art in the Park. During the summer, there are activities almost every weekend.”

Lewis stepped into Dupee’s role with 12 years prior experience as an administrator in Painesville but amid great uncertainty amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“(Police) Chief Waterman is handling the COVID-19 issues and I am working with staff to provide support and complete major infrastructure projects,” he said. “In addition, I am working with City Council to address any issues/concerns of the City Council and the residents of Painesville...

“I am working with staff to make sure that we continue to complete the projects that are scheduled for this year,” he added. “I want to keep the city of Painesville moving forward while City Manager Irelan Dupee is out of the office. In addition, I am working to complete the major capital improvement projects.”

SUBMITTED Doug Lewis poses with his daughter Kendall and wife, Meghan, at a Painesville event.