Joel Mazur is the new city administrator in Oregon

By: 
Kelly J. Kaczala

        Oregon City Council on Monday approved the appointment of a new City Administrator, Joel Mazur, effective Oct. 10.
        The previous Administrator, Michael Beazley, announced his retirement earlier this year.
        Mazur’s annual salary will be $152,000, Mayor Mike Seferian said at the meeting.
        “We started the search for city administrator probably a little more than six months ago,” recalled  Seferian, adding that he, Beazley and City Solicitor Melissa Purpura were instrumental in the search for  a city administrator.
        “It’s a very important role in our city,” said Seferian. “So after a lengthy search, there was an individual who stood out among the others we had talked to. We’re looking for energy, personality, charisma, and wit. Joel Mazur surfaced, and we think he has all that. He’s joyful to be around. He made us feel more energetic.”
        Since 2017, Mazur, 42, has been city manager of the City of Napoleon, where he manages the day-to-day operations of the city.
        Mazur, who was at the council meeting, expressed his appreciation for the appointment.
        “I appreciate it. What a great honor,” he said. “I think I’m an effective communicator. I work long hours. As a leader, I’m accountable to everybody. I look forward to working with all of you.”
        From 2015 to 2017, Mazur worked for the City of Toledo, Department of Utilities, as commissioner of field operations. He oversaw the operations of the Divisions of Environmental Services, Sewer & Drainage Services and Water Distribution. Environmental services acts as the Ohio EPA contractual agent for air monitoring, permit reviews and enforcement for all of Lucas County.
        From 2014 to 2015, Mazur was assistant chief of staff for the Toledo Mayor’s office, where he oversaw the operations of several departments, including the Department of Public Service, Neighborhoods, Toledo Plan Commission, Information, Communication and Technology Department, and the Arts Commission.
        From 2008 to 2013, he was a Brownfield Redevelopment Officer Section Chief for the City of Toledo, Division of Environmental Services.
        He has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science & Biology from Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan, and is a former graduate student in the Master’s of Public Administration Program at the University of Toledo.
       
Environment
        After the meeting, Mazur told The Press that his background reflects experience with environmental issues, which have been a priority in Oregon in the last several years, including harmful toxic algal blooms that have plagued Lake Erie.
        “I’m very in tune about what’s going on with environmental issues,” said Mazur. “I was working with the team of people who put together the Lucas County Sustainability Commission before I left Toledo and went to the City of Napoleon.”
        He said he worked with Melissa Greene Hopfer, project manager of the Commission, which developed the Western Lake Erie Nutrient Source Inventory, an interactive GIS-based map showing both urban and rural nutrient sources in the Western Lake Erie Basin..
        “The Commission provided an online tool where you can see all of the different facilities like CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations). They put together maps of the entire Maumee Watershed and Western Basin of Lake Erie. It was very informative. It tells a great story about what’s happening in the lake, where nutrients are coming from. It’s very compelling. I look forward to stepping back into that and being a part of that conversation,” he said.
        According to the City of Napoleon’s website, Mazur, as city manager, was responsible for spearheading a transformational downtown revitalization project, established an outdoor refreshment area, and saw through the reconstruction of the Water Treatment plant.
        He also had an integral role in the construction and leasing of a spec building, which is now the home of the world headquarters of JAC Products, a tier 1 auto supply company that employs over 350 people.
       
Challenge
        Asked why he wanted to apply for the city administrator position, Mazur said he was “very familiar” with the area.
        “It’s definitely a step up for my career and my line of work. I would really like this to be the final destination of my career - if they’ll have me,” said Mazur. “It’s such a great honor to even be considered for the position, let alone be selected for the position. I know I have a big job. I have big shoes to fill. But I know I’m up for it. I’m going to be doing everything I can to be as good as or better than Mike Beazley. I know that’s asking a lot. But that’s the challenge I have. I’m committed to that every day. I’m a hard worker. I’m dedicated, devoted to what I do, and I’m grateful. I won’t take this opportunity for granted. I’m going to make every minute of it.”
        Seferian said Mazur was a good candidate for the city administrator position.
         “We’re excited about the experience, energy, and perspective that Joel will bring to Oregon,” said Seferian. “He has knowledge and an important track record from the City of Napoleon in managing a full-service city and experience working for the City of Toledo prior to that.  We look forward to him becoming an important part of our community, and he is already looking for a home here in Oregon.”
 

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