CINCINNATI — Mayor Aftab Pureval announced the final two candidates for the city manager position after a nationwide search. 

Of the original 21 applicants, five were interviewed by a panel consisting of former Cincinnati Children's Hospital CEO Michael Fisher; Deputy Director of Human Resources Latisha Hazell; former Mayor Mark Mallory, Director of Human Resources Ed Ramsey; and Mayor Aftab Pureval.

What You Need To Know

  • Mayor Aftab Pureval announced the final two candidates for the city manager position 

  • Of the original 21 applicants, five were interviewed by a panel

  • The five candidates interviewed were John Curp, Nichalos Gardner, David Johnston, Sheryl Long and Khalil Zaied

  • The two finalists moving onto the next steps are John Curp and Sheryl Long

The five candidates interviewed were John Curp, Nichalos Gardner, David Johnston, Sheryl Long and Khalil Zaied. The two finalists moving onto the next steps are John Curp and Sheryl Long according to the city's news release.

“We conducted a national search to find the best and the brightest for this integral role in our city,” Pureval said in the release. “It helped show us how strong our internal candidates were and reaffirmed that we do have top talent right here in Cincinnati. Both our finalists have extraordinary work experience and a commitment to public service. I am confident that either of them would do a phenomenal job for our City.”

Long has served as assistant city manager since April 2019, according to the city's website. In her role, she manages several city services including interfacing with the Departments of Public Services, Citizen Complaint Authority, Emergency Communications Center, Office of Environment and Sustainability, Transportation & Engineering, as well as the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati and Greater Cincinnati Water Works.

Long earned a Bachelor of Arts from Miami University and a Master of Arts in Marketing from Southern New Hampshire University. From 2003 to 2013, she gained marketing experience in the private sector focusing on real-estate and economic development projects.

Curp was appointed interim city manager of the City of Cincinnati on Jan. 19, 2022, according to the city's website. He oversees day-to-day operations of city government and serves as chief administrator. He oversees a $1.5 billion budget and more than 6,000 employees.

From 2008 to 2014, Curp served as the city's City Solicitor, leading the city's legal team through several development projects including The Banks, Washington Park and Cincinnati Streetcar.

Curp is a graduate of Miami University and Indiana University School of Law.

Each city council member will have a one-on-one opportunity to interview finalists before giving feedback to the mayor. A vote on the next city manager is expected within the next couple of weeks. 

The next city manager will be responsible for choosing the city's next police chief.

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