The Board of Commissioners welcomed David Johnston as the City of Covington’s new City Manager, starting his role on Monday.
Interim City Manager Loren Wolff served her last day on August 22.
City Manager David Johnston stated, “I’m excited to start my new role with the City of Covington.
“Covington is a city on the move with an immense amount of community pride. I’m eager to hit the ground running with all of the exciting opportunities going on and am ready to take on the challenges awaiting my arrival.”
Johnston has 20 years of experience as a local government manager, having served as the City Manager for the City of Maple Valley, WA, Village Administrator for the City of Rantoul, IL and Coal City, IL, and Town Manager for the City of Westfield, IN.
David Johnston (Maple Valley Reporter photograph)
Additionally, Johnston has served as the Administrative Director of the Indiana Health Centers, Inc., the Adjunct Faculty Member at Indiana University-Purdue University, and has run two small state agencies for the State of Indiana.
Johnston has an impressive record in achieving success in public funding and economic development initiatives, as well as vast experience navigating redevelopment projects and challenges.
“We welcome David Johnston to Covington. We believe Johnston is the right person for the job and have the utmost confidence that his experience and leadership skills will serve as great assets to meet Covington’s needs,” said Mayor Joseph U. Meyer.
“The entire community owes Loren Wolff a debt of gratitude for stepping in as Interim City Manager. She met the challenges of the job well and served as a steady hand on the tiller during this time of change. We thank her for a job well done.”
Wolff began as Covington’s Interim City Manager February 21. Wolff most notably spearheaded such projects as the City’s organizational analysis and search for its next City Manager.
Interim City Manager Loren Wolff said, “I’m honored that the Commission put their trust in me during this transition. I am proud to have served the City of Covington and been a part of the beginning of so much positive change.
“I’m excited about the future of Covington and delighted to leave the City in the hands of such a capable and experienced city manager like David Johnston. I wish the Commission and staff the best in continuing the good work of serving the citizens of Covington.”
Wolff will return to The Wolff Law Firm, where she is partner with her husband Ben Wolff. Additionally, Wolff will remain active within the community, continuing to serve as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Center for Great Neighborhoods.
In March 2017, the City contracted with the consulting firm Municipal Solutions, LLC to launch an international search to recruit qualified candidates for the City Manager position.
Municipal Solutions is a premier consulting firm with more than 120 Senior Associates and has conducted over 200 searches nationally for small towns and large cities. The firm’s CEO and consultants have provided searches for numerous municipalities including the cities of Syracuse NY, Arkansas City AK, Daytona Beach FL, Fort Collins CO, Port Arthur TX, Greensboro NC, Norwich CT, Elmira NY, Salina KS, Miami FL, Scottsdale AZ, Roanoke VA, Fayetteville NC, Flagstaff AZ and many others.
–City of Covington
