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Member Updates

June 26, 2026 in Member Updates

Honoring a Career of Service: Celebrating Brian Humphress’ Retirement

The Ohio City/County Management Association (OCMA) is proud to recognize and celebrate the retirement of Brian Humphress, who has served as a Senior Advisor to the association since 2020. Brian’s retirement marks the culmination of a distinguished career defined by service, leadership, and a deep commitment to the local government management profession.

Brian has dedicated his life to advancing professional management in local government. Over the course of more than 40 years in public service. A significant portion of his career was spent as City Manager in Willard, Ohio, where he provided steady leadership and helped guide the community through years of challenges and change.

Prior to his retirement, Brian served as Executive Director of the Miami Valley Communications Council, where he continued to bring his expertise and collaborative approach to regional initiatives. His ability to build relationships and foster cooperation across jurisdictions has left a lasting impact on the communities and colleagues he worked alongside.

Brian has also been an active and engaged member of the broader profession. A member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) since 1992, he has remained deeply connected to the evolving practice of local government management. Within OCMA, he has provided invaluable leadership and mentorship. He served as OCMA President in 2008 and, in more recent years, as a trusted Senior Advisor, offering thoughtful guidance to the board and supporting the development of emerging leaders in the field.

Throughout his career, and continuing into his retirement, Brian has been a steady and encouraging presence for so many in the profession. His willingness to share his knowledge, offer perspective, and mentor others has helped strengthen OCMA and the broader network of local government professionals across Ohio.

In recognition of his contributions and lifelong commitment to the association, Brian is an OCMA Lifetime Member. This distinction reflects both the depth of his service and the lasting impact he has made on the organization and its members.

We are deeply grateful for Brian’s many years of leadership, mentorship, and service. His legacy will continue to shape the profession for years to come.

Please join us in thanking Brian Humphress for his extraordinary career and in wishing him all the best in his retirement.

July 9, 2026 in Member Updates

Amberley Village Manager Scot Lahrmer to Retire in February 2027

A Message from Mayor Bob Rosen

One of the most important responsibilities of Village Council is ensuring strong leadership for our community. Today, I would like to share news regarding a transition that will have a lasting impact on Amberley Village.

Village Manager Scot Lahrmer has announced his intention to retire in February 2027, concluding an extraordinary 43-year career in public service, including the past 15 years serving Amberley Village. When Scot was recruited to Amberley Village in 2011 as an interim manager, few could have imagined the profound impact he would have on our community. What began as a temporary assignment quickly evolved into a period of transformational leadership that has strengthened nearly every aspect of Village operations.

Under Scot’s leadership, Amberley Village has achieved remarkable financial stability. The Village’s General Fund balance has both stabilized and grown, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility and long-term planning. Through strategic grant funding, innovative partnerships, and disciplined financial management, Amberley Village is better positioned today than at any point in recent memory.

Residents have seen the results of that stewardship throughout the community. Major investments in roads, stormwater infrastructure, parks, public safety equipment, technology, and facilities have enhanced both services and quality of life. Initiatives such as the Accelerated Street Program, including the Farmcrest Street reconstruction, utility improvements, and expanded public safety technology have helped ensure that Amberley Village remains a safe, attractive, and desirable place to live.

Scot also helped guide significant economic development efforts that strengthened our tax base and positioned the Village for future growth. From redevelopment projects and business retention efforts to the recruitment of Mercy Health and other key investments, his work has helped build a stronger foundation for future generations.

Yet Scot’s greatest contribution may be less visible than any project or financial report. He cultivated a culture of professionalism, collaboration, innovation, and service that will continue long after his retirement. His leadership helped create an organization that values transparency, resident engagement, and exceptional customer service. Those qualities have become hallmarks of Amberley Village government and will remain part of his legacy.

On a personal level, I have greatly valued Scot’s counsel, steady leadership, and friendship during my tenure as Mayor. His thoughtful approach to difficult challenges, unwavering professionalism, and commitment to doing what is best for Amberley Village have earned the respect of Village Council, employees, residents, and community partners alike. Perhaps the most meaningful reflection comes from Scot himself. In his retirement letter, he described Amberley Village as the most rewarding chapter of his 43-year public service career.

As Mayor, I can confidently say that our community has been equally fortunate to have benefited from his leadership. Fortunately, Scot will remain with the Village through February 2027 and will assist Council in selecting his successor and ensuring a smooth transition. His continued involvement provides stability and continuity as we prepare for the next chapter in Amberley Village’s history. There will be opportunities in the months ahead to formally celebrate Scot’s many accomplishments and thank him for his years of dedicated service.

For now, I simply ask that you join me in expressing our gratitude for all he has done for Amberley Village and in wishing him, his wife Jackie, and their family every happiness in retirement.

Sincerely, Bob Rosen Mayor, Amberley Village

https://files.constantcontact.com/d516a0f1501/2492fe23-806c-4a8a-a78c-f6dc5a62448b.pdf

March 3, 2026 in Member Updates

Josh Rauch Selected as Hilliard City Manager

Hilliard City Council met at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 to consider the hiring of Joshua Rauch as Hilliard’s next City Manager. 

Rauch currently serves as the City Manager for the City of Riverside, Ohio. He is expected to begin serving as City Manager on April 20. 

“I am honored and excited to join the Hilliard community and to work alongside elected officials, staff, and residents to achieve meaningful results,” Rauch said. “Hilliard is a remarkable city, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a shared vision that brings the community together and guides its future success.” 

Council President Emily Cole said Rauch rose to the top of a deep pool of outstanding applicants for the position. 

“We were impressed by the caliber of candidates throughout this process,” said Cole. “Ultimately, Mr. Rauch stood out as the best fit for our community and for Council’s vision, bringing the experience, leadership, and people-centered approach we value.” 

Rauch has spent the last 15 years of his career managing, building, and improving local governments. He has worked as City Manager for the City of Riverside since 2021.  

He began his career with internships for the City of Dayton and City of Mission, Kansas, before becoming the Neighborhood Services Coordinator for the City of Mission. From there, he served as the Deputy Economic Development Administrator for the City of Springfield, Ohio, and then spent several years in government management consulting.  

He earned his master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas and his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Dayton.  

Rauch is involved in the International City/County Management Association, Greater Dayton Mayors and Managers Association, Ohio City/County Management Association, and other organizations. 

Rauch said he believes effective local government is rooted in trust, communication, and teamwork.  

“When we work in good faith and focus on shared goals, we can turn challenges into opportunities and build something truly lasting,” he said.  

This will be the City’s second city manager. Former City Manager Michelle Crandall, who served from 2020 to 2025, resigned to become the Chief Member Services Officer for the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). 

Crandall was Hilliard’s first city manager, following a voter-approved charter amendment in November 2018 that changed the City’s form of government from Mayor-Council to Council-Manager. 

The City Manager serves as Hilliard’s chief executive officer, appointed by and reporting to the seven-member City Council. The role oversees all administrative functions across City departments, including Community Development, Recreation & Parks, Finance, Police, Human Resources, IT/CityLab, and Public Service. 

Council worked to ensure that community and staff feedback were incorporated into the search process. In addition to surveys and focus groups that identified desirable qualities for the City Manager, Council hosted a meet-the-candidates open house event during the interviews that included feedback for Council to consider in its deliberations. 

The finalist candidates were identified with the assistance of Raftelis, a nationally recognized search firm specializing in public sector executive recruitment.  

City Council, which serves as the appointing authority, has been actively engaged throughout the process. In advance of last week’s in person meetings, City Council conducted virtual interviews with candidates in January and selected the final three candidates for in-person interviews.  

Cole said she believes the community participation was key in finding the ideal candidate. 

“We firmly believe that community participation played a vital role in identifying the ideal candidate,” she said. “The thoughtful input we received helped ensure this decision reflects the values and priorities of our residents.”