Commissioners elevate current Geauga-Trumbull manager to interim solid waste director

Staff report

WARREN

The county commissioners in Geauga and Trumbull counties reached a surprising result Tuesday while considering three finalists for director of the Geauga Trumbull Solid Waste District.

The six commissioners decided to appoint Greg Kovalchick, the district’s compliance manager for the past 20 years, to serve as interim director, as well as do his current job.

His salary was not available Tuesday night.

The director’s job became vacant at the end of the year with the retirement of Bob Villers.

The district, located on Enterprise Drive, is a government agency that uses landfill fees to run environmental programs, such as operating recycling centers.

Kovalchick applied for the director’s job but was not one of two finalists. He also was considered when a hiring committee restarted the process and considered 24 applicants.

“This decision was reached partly because we had no consensus on who would be best to step in as full-time director,” Trumbull Commissioner Mauro Cantalamessa said.

“And, secondly, we asked the question, ‘Would the district be best served without a full-time director at this juncture?’”

Cantalamessa said the six commissioners “believe that Mr. Kovalchick could be quite capable in essentially tackling the duties of both positions.”

Skip Claypool, Geauga County commissioner, has served as interim director throughout January.