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4 chosen as finalists for city civil-service chief
YOUNGSTOWN
Mayor Charles Sammarone said he’ll hire a new Civil Service Commission administrator by Friday.
The commission gave the mayor a list of four finalists: two current city employees, the executive director of the city’s Human Relations Commission and an attorney. “My plan is to interview each of them next week and make a decision by Friday,” Sammarone said. “I want to hire someone as soon as possible.”
The finalists recommended by the three-member Civil Service Commission are:
Martha Kane, the city’s human resources supervisor since 2008.
Jennifer Jones, program coordinator for the city’s litter control and recycling division since 2009.
Jonathan M. Huff, executive director of the Youngstown Human Relations Commission since 2007. Huff is a Greater Warren-Youngstown Urban League employee who runs the commission through a contract the city has with the organization.
Kim F. Akins, a lawyer since 1991 and an instructor at National College in Youngstown since 2009.
Rather than give a written exam, the commission scored candidates based on their experience and education — an option permitted under state law.
Overall, 29 people applied for the job with the commission ruling that 12 of them did not meet the qualifications for the position.
To be eligible for consideration, candidates had to have a bachelor’s degree in human-resource management, organizational psychology or related field with a master’s degree or juris doctorate preferred.
Also, eligible candidates needed at least three years of supervisory or management experience, extensive knowledge of municipal civil-service law, the ability to develop and prepare entry-level and promotional exams and knowledge of state and federal employment laws and regulations, among other requirements.
The position became available in May when Jennifer J. Lewis, who had the job for 11 years, resigned to be the manager of processing employee records at Youngstown State University.
The job pays $57,666 annually.