By Danielle Coots

For the News-Current

BEAVERCREEK — Michael Cornell’s retirement as Beavercreek’s City Manager is now official and he is headed south for a break after 10 years of service. Cornell said goodbye and accepted thoughts of gratitude from fellow colleagues recently.

Stepping in as the new city manager is Pete Landrum.

“It’s always with mixed emotions that you wish someone happy retirement. You wish them well, but you’ll miss them,” Beavercreek Mayor Bob Stone said.

During Cornell’s years with the city, he was responsible for the shaping of new policies, procedures and events, such as the introduction of budget strategies, monthly city council work sessions, bi-annual citizen surveys, and neighborhood cleanups. And according to Cornell, he couldn’t have done it without the employees of the city.

“With great employees, my job ran every hour of every day without a hitch,” Cornell added. “I appreciate the support throughout the years from this council. It’s been a true pleasure.”

Cornell has received multiple awards including the Beavercreek Police Department KELA reaccreditation, Top 100 places to live by Money Magazine, and Top 25 most Affordable Places to Live, Ohio Auditors’ State Award with Distinction, Certificate of Achievement for Excellence, Ohio Auditors of State Award and the completion of the pedestrian overpass bridge.

Cornell also served on boards such as the Miami Valley Military Affairs Association, We Care Arts, Beavercreek Forward Foundation, Miami Valley Mayors and Managers Issues Committee and many more.

“I wish you well in your retirement,” said Beavercreek County Member Zach Upton. “I’ve worked with you for the past 6 years in this capacity and a few others and you are the best and only city manager that I’ve ever worked alongside. You’ve been a true gentleman. It’s been fun watching you for the past couple weeks while you’ve put together a report of not only the city, but also the staff. We talk a lot about what you’ve done for the city, but you’ve talked a lot about the great things that this group has done. That to me, is a very respectable act and very gentlemanly. You’ve done a great job with everything.”

Cornell ended his reign saying that he foresees the city’s momentum continuing under the new management of Landrum.

“Cornell and I have been working very closely together and I concur that we have very similar of styles and work ethic. I look forward to working with everyone in the city,” Landrum said. “I look forward to working with the City of Beavercreek residents and the employees. It’s going to be a great time.”

Michael Cornell
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2017/01/web1_Cornell.jpgMichael Cornell

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2017/01/web1_Cornell1.jpg

Danielle Coots is a freelance writer for Greene County News.