WARREN Mayor appoints director

The new director has headed WRAP since 1998.
WARREN -- Mayor Hank Angelo has announced the appointment of Michael Keys as city community development director, effective Jan. 6.
Keys is executive director of Warren Redevelopment and Planning, a nonprofit corporation aimed at assisting the city with economic development, revitalization and community development efforts.
Keys has been WRAP director since 1998.
"Mike is a perfect fit," Angelo said. "He knows the players, the projects we're working on and will be able to hit the ground running.
"With Dave Robison's retirement, Mike has to look at the department's finances, personnel and projects -- with the goal in mind that the department will need some changes to accomplish its mission."
Contract with city
WRAP has a contract with the city to administer its revolving loan fund, the miniloan fund and to manage the construction and rehabilitation of the Robins Theater, the Riverwalk and the amphitheater among a number of other programs and projects.
Angelo said grants received for Riverwalk and Robins Theater were the result of a communitywide effort coordinated by Keys.
The mayor said Keys has been intricately involved in a number of vital projects, serving as part of Angelo's economic development team when new businesses are approached or when working to retain businesses.
Angelo indicated he is committed to working with the WRAP board of trustees to make sure funding for WRAP continues and the change in directors wouldn't affect staff.
The mayor expected the WRAP board to name an interim director until a successor is appointed.