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City Manager

Portrait of City Manager Michelle Crandall

Michelle Crandall

Michelle Crandall was sworn in as the City of Hilliard’s first City Manager on Jan. 1, 2020.

Before joining the City of Hilliard, Michelle had worked for the City of Dublin since 1992, starting as an intern and then management assistant in the City Manager’s office. She subsequently served in various leadership roles, including Director of Administrative Services, Deputy City Manager and Assistant City Manager.

She is a professionally trained facilitator who is actively involved in the International City/County Management Association, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, and other organizations.

She earned her master’s degree in public administration from The Ohio State University’s School of Public Policy and Management and her bachelor’s degree in political science from Wittenberg University. She also completed the Washington Semester Program at American University and the Executive Leadership Development Program (LEAD) from University of Virginia.

In 2023, Michelle was named one of Columbus Business First newspaper’s inaugural “Women of Influence” award recipients in the Trailblazers category.

What is the Role of a City Manager?

A City Manager is a professionally trained municipal administrator who manages the day-to-day operations of a city government.

Under a Council-Manager form of government, Hilliard voters elect members to City Council, who (by a two-thirds affirmative vote) appoint a City Manager to be the chief administrative/executive officer of the City. 

The City Manager reports directly to City Council and implements the City’s Council approved operating and capital budgets. City Council directs the City Manager to enter into contracts and to perform certain actions on the City’s behalf.

City Council establishes various policies by enacting legislation. The City Manager implements those policies as directed by Council.

As defined by the City of Hilliard’s Charter, the City Manager oversees all departments and divisions of the municipal government, including hiring and firing of City employees.

A City Manager advises City Council on matters of legislation, policy and finances; works with the President of Council to formulate the agendas of all Council meetings and Council committee meetings; and prepares and submits to Council reports requested by a majority of Council’s membership, and such other reports concerning the City as deemed advisable.

The City Manager serves at the pleasure of City Council. There is no right of recall to Hilliard residents to recall or vote out a City Manager.

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