Cincinnati Assistant City Manager Scott Stiles is a finalist for the city manager's position in Garden Grove, California, and will leave Cincinnati City Hall on July 17 after 27 years of service.
Stiles announced Tuesday that he is a finalist for the city manager’s position in Garden Grove, California. If Garden Grove’s city council approves his hiring, he will start there in early August.
Stiles has worked in the city manager’s office since 2002 and was the interim city manager for nine months before City Manager Harry Black was hired last December.
“I was very happy here; things were going really good, but, on the other hand, in my profession, if you want to be a city manager at some point you have to take a risk and make a move,’’ Stiles said Tuesday.
The long-time city employee said he has been proud to be part of the “all the progress we have made, all the great things that have happened in the community,” such as the Banks development, downtown development and the revitalization of Over-the-Rhine.
“It’s been really fun to see some of the rebirth so that’s what’s been the most gratifying to me about everything,’’ Stiles said.
Black put out a memo to Mayor John Cranley and members of city council Tuesday informing them of Stiles’ decision to seek the California job and leave Cincinnati City Hall.
“Cincinnati is fortunate to have had the service of Mr. Stiles, who has provided solid leadership throughout his tenure,’’ Black wrote.
The city manager said that “on a personal note, there is no doubt that Mr. Stiles made my transition as city manager as smooth as possible. He has always conducted himself with a high degree of professionalism and I am grateful for the valuable role has had played in our administration.”
Black said the search for Stiles’ replacement will begin immediately and “will be thorough.”