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Sandusky City Manager Leaving To Be Cuyahoga County Chief of Staff

November 13, 2022 in Member Updates

Eric Wobser announced that he will be leaving his position as Sandusky City Manager effective at the end of day Friday, November 11, 2022. Wobser has been named co-director of the transition team for Cuyahoga County Executive-Elect Chris Ronayne and will assume the role of Ronayne’s Chief of Staff when he officially takes office in January.

“Being City Manager of my hometown has been a dream job for me,” said Wobser. “I’m proud of everything we were able to accomplish over the past eight years and I’m grateful for the leadership of our City Commission, the dedication and hard work of our city staff, and our committed community partners who helped make it all possible. I know that the future is bright for Sandusky.”

Wobser was hired as Sandusky’s City Manager in 2014 after previously serving as Executive Director of Ohio City, Inc. in Cleveland. In his new role as chief of staff at Cuyahoga County, Wobser will help oversee the second largest government entity in the state of Ohio which employees over 4,500 people and has a budget of over $1.5 billion. The City Commission was informed of the possibility of Wober’s departure in mid-October.

 “Eric has guided this city for the past eight years to a level of success that is unmatched in our history,” said City Commission President Dick Brady.  “Sandusky is blessed with a very capable staff that will continue to perform their jobs to ensure that the momentum provided by Eric continues. The trajectory of our city has been forever changed by Eric’s leadership. This commission thanks him and wishes him continued success.”

During a special meeting on the evening of Thursday, November 10, the Sandusky City Commission appointed Assistant City Manager John Orzech as Interim City Manager. Orzech has served as assistant city manager since January 2020, having previously served as the chief of police for seven years. The Commission appointed Chief Neighborhood Development Officer Colleen Gilson as Interim Assistant City Manger. Gilson joined the city in July 2022, previously serving as Vice President of CDC Advancement at Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and the executive director of the Cleveland Neighborhood Development Coalition.  

The City Commission will begin the process of launching a search for Wobser’s permanent replacement.  

“The city will forever be grateful for Eric’s dedication, commitment, and championing Sandusky’s successes over his tenure as City Manager,” said Assistant City Manager John Orzech. “I will work closely with the Commissioners, directors and staff to keep Sandusky’s positive momentum going forward, until a new City Manager is named.  It is an honor to serve the citizens of Sandusky in this new role and I thank the Commission for their trust in me during this transition period.”