Smiddy will start working for Oakwood on Oct. 14, with her first official day as its top administrator Nov. 1, Oakwood said in an announcement Monday night.
“City council is very pleased to have Katie as our next city manager,” Duncan said after Oakwood City Council voted unanimously on the choice. “We believe that Katie possesses all the skills and attributes needed to lead our wonderful city,” Duncan added.
Springdale, where Smiddy works now, is a middle-income suburb of 11,000 people in the northern Cincinnati area, just west of the I-75 and I-275 interchange.
Smiddy cited some of the skills she has accumulated in her more than 25 years in municipal government when she initially sought to replace current Oakwood City Manager Norbert Klopsch, who is retiring Nov. 1 after 32 years with the city, 22 years as its top administrator.
“I believe I have accumulated a vast array of experiences and knowledge over my public sector career that makes me a great candidate for this leadership post,” Smiddy said in her application letter. “My hope is that you are looking for a seasoned, energetic leader who is dedicated to the municipal management profession and is prepared to make a long-term commitment to the city.”
Smiddy’s starting annual salary will be $160,000 a year, according to the contract signed last week by Duncan and herself.
The city will provide her vacation time accrued at the rate of a 16-year employee, or 20 days, and a vehicle, the agreement states. Smiddy will receive a $50 a month allowance for cellphone and a $15,000 stipend to move to Oakwood, which she plans to do by the end of 2025, according to the contract.
Smiddy was among more than 20 applicants for the position. Aside from Turnbull, Oakwood Law Director Robert Jacques and former Vandalia City Manager Daniel Wendt were also among the final four.
Smiddy is the finance officer/tax commissioner for Springdale in Hamilton County. She also has served as finance director for the city of Montgomery and CFO of Hamilton County Community Action Agency after various positions held in Butler County, Oakwood officials said.
She has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Xavier University, a master’s degree in public administration from Wright State University and is a graduate of the Leading, Educating and Developing (LEAD) Program from the University of Virginia.
Smiddy has been married to her spouse, Joe, for 24 years, and they have two children, the city said.
