After a very comprehensive nationwide search and interview process, Fort Wright Mayor and City Council have announced that Ed Butler, the current Executive Director of the Kenton County Emergency Communications Center, is the next City Administrative Officer (CAO). Butler will replace current CAO Gary Huff who is retiring at the end of May after nearly eight years of exemplary service in Fort Wright.
Butler was chosen from field of 62 applicants who submitted resumes to Northern Kentucky Area Development District which helped Fort Wright with the early portion of the selection process. He has a Bachelor in Management from NKU and a MBA from Xavier. Butler also has extensive experience with the interworkings of Kenton County having retired as the Police Chief of Kenton County from 2006 through 2011 and the Executive Director of the Kenton County Emergency Communications from 2012 to present.
“I would like to thank the Mayor and Council for their support and confidence in me,” said Butler. “I am looking forward to serving as the Administrator and working with you, staff, council, residents and businesses of Fort Wright.” Huff went on to state
“I think Ed is an excellent choice and his appointment prior to my retirement will allow us to work closely together for a couple of weeks,” said Huff. “This will make for a much smoother transition. “
“This was a great process which led to a difficult decision,” said Mayor Hatter. “After several interviews, the Committee chose three very qualified finalists who were invited to a final interview with all of Council. After much deliberation, we concluded that Ed’s long track record of public service in Kenton County, experience leading similarly sized organizations, educational background, philosophical outlook and ultimately his enthusiasm for the City and our residents and businesses made him the perfect fit for Fort Wright.
“Gary has done an amazing job during his tenure as CAO and he’s leaving behind huge shoes to fill. While we’ll miss Gary’s leadership and insight, I’m confident that Ed will do a great job and I’m very excited to welcome him to the team where he’ll play a key role in ensuring that our City remains a great place to live, work and play!”
Members of the CAO Selection Committee are Mayor Hatter, CAO Huff, long-time Council members Adam Feinauer and Joe Averdick, City Attorney Todd McMurtry and former Mayor Joe Nienaber, who hired Huff.
For more information, please contact Mayor Hatter at 859-414-4610 or CAO Huff at 859-331-1700.
– Staff report
Photo: Ed Butler speaks in Ft. Mitchell (RCN file)
