Huron forms new leadership team

HURON — When several new people enter an organization at once, oftentimes, it's hard for them to find cohesion and gel for the greater good. But, in the case of Huron's government, all incoming personnel immediately understand they must work together to accomplish their top mission: best serve constituents, which consist of residents, tourists, entrepreneurs and others passing through. Throughout the past few weeks, council welcomed and/or introduced four administrators to high-ranking city positions. Huron city manager Matt Lasko personally signed off on each person's hire. They'll act as his cabinet, or point people, to best advise him and council members on vital decisions. "These positions represent a combination of filling vacant positions but also filling critical capacity needs at the city," Lasko said. "The city has long been without a planning director, service director or a dedicated person focused on human resources." He continued: "Individuals will both provide additional support to our employees but, more than anything, will ensure a high level of service and responsiveness to our residents and customers. I could not be more excited to have these professionals join our city while ensuring our staffing levels are reasonable and very efficient." Bio blast Here's a deeper dive into the four recent hires now working for Huron: Jeff Hall, finance director • Main roles: keeps track of all municipal finance activities, which include revenue collection, expenditures, debt and investment management, forecasting, budgeting, capital planning, payroll, utility accounting and risk management and advises the city manager, mayor and city council as to each proposed financial budget. • Annual salary: $100,000 • Why work here: "Huron is a 'Great Lake Place' to be with the most exciting and significant growth opportunities on the North Coast of Ohio. Huron city leadership is always busy finding ways to maintain and improve facilities, expand the tax base and follow through on a capital plan that is most beneficial in maintaining and attracting residents and guests. I want to play a role in the future success of the city of Huron." Erik Engle, planning director • Main roles: manages all construction permits, zoning/code enforcement activities, leading the transient rental program, floodplain management, housing and community development initiatives, leading current planning initiatives and implementing long-range planning activities. • Annual salary: $70,000 • Why work here: "I believe the future is in our small towns, and the city of Huron typifies the best of them. It has both incredible opportunities and challenges from a planning standpoint and using (my) knowledge of placemaking and design expertise, I want to unlock Huron's development potential for the benefit of all." Stuart Hamilton, service director • Main roles: supervises water, utilities, Huron Public Power, streets, capital projects, IT and engineering services. • Annual salary: $108,000 • Why work here: "The strength and vision of council and city leadership made the newly created position impossible to pass up. It is a privilege to be added to this dynamic team." Andrea Rocco, human resources manager • Main roles: oversees all personnel responsibilities for the city including, but not limited to, employee hiring and onboarding, trainings, bargaining unit negotiations and management • Annual salary: $35,000; Rocco is not a full-time employee as she is contracted out on an as-needed basis. • Why work here: "Human resources is constantly evolving, and I appreciate the challenge of maintaining robust processes while also supporting people. I look forward to using my employment law background in a vital setting that requires consistency and organizational effectiveness. I am excited to be a resource and a servant leader for the employees at Huron."