Bryan Heck

Bryan Heck serves as the City Manager of Springfield, Ohio.

Meet Board Member Bryan Heck

Name: Bryan Heck

Position: City Manager

Organization: City of Springfield

Date Appointed to Board: July 2022

What motivates your service to OCMA?

With the ever-changing political landscape and extreme pressures on local communities, there is not a more important time in the history of professional local government management to collectively serve members of the profession through leadership and management development, as well as assisting and navigating others through the tough mental pressures that come with these positions.

What do you hope to accomplish in your capacity with OCMA?

My hope through this opportunity to serve on the OCMA Board is to provide guidance and leadership to colleagues throughout our state and beyond in professional local government management. Let’s be honest, this profession is challenging and poses many difficulties that can have negative impacts on our own mental well-being. A lot of sacrifices come with this profession, and if I can positively impact the careers of other members of the profession during my time on the Board, I will feel accomplished.

What inspired you to enter local government?

I have always had a passion for public service, but originally thought to serve I would need to work out in DC on Capitol Hill to fulfill that passion. Upon interning in DC, I discovered my passion was with having an impact on the daily lives of people that I would serve. You do not get that in DC, or at the Federal level. Service in local government is truly rewarding as you have a direct impact on the lives of others each and every day.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

I have self-diagnosed ADHD, and I love that each day is something different. I can plan out my day, but quickly have to adjust and adapt to ever evolving situations and issues.

What project(s) are you most proud of?

Springfield has seen more growth in the last 5-7 years then it had previously in quite some time. We have continued to revitalize our downtown, bringing new businesses and residential opportunities. The Center Street Townes is one project that I am extremely proud of, as it brought new residential development to our downtown core for the first time in decades. That project has been a great success, proving the market for residential in downtown Springfield, as it has completely sold out.

Additional housing projects are in various stages throughout our community, and will help address a housing shortage in Springfield.

What are the greatest challenges facing City Managers in the state today?

There are many challenges facing City Manager’s in this day and age. From external pressures, like the continued assault by our State legislature on Home Rule and Revenues/Expenditures, to internal pressures, like the extremely competitive environment to hire dedicated public servants. I would most focus on the challenge on our mental health and wellness. This profession is truly difficult, and we as Manager’s sacrifice a great deal serving others that we do not always take care of ourselves. Mental Health is critically important to not only our success in our jobs, but the rest of our lives. We need to make sure that we are taking care and encouraging each other to address the negative impacts these positions can have on us mentally.

What is the role of a City Manager in upholding the public’s trust in local government?

Trust is everything, as relationships are built on trust. The City Manager as the leader of the organization must uphold the integrity of their respective organizations, making this a top priority. One will find it extremely difficult to succeed in this profession if trust is lost with the public. That trust starts with communication, and I believe that we have a responsibility in our roles to communicate effectively and efficiently with our constituents.

How are cities shaping the future of Ohio?

Legacy cities like Springfield are vital to the economic prosperity of Ohio. Without urban centers like Springfield, the State will not be successful in competing with other states across the country. The competitive economic landscape lends the need for the State to work directly with cities to improve public infrastructure that will lead to private investment.