Norton-Smith comes to Centerville from Montgomery County, where he served most recently as the community and economic development specialist.
He also administered Montgomery County’s Economic Development/Government Equity incentive grant program, while assisting with federal Community Development Block Grant projects and the BusinessFirst! retention and expansion program.
Norton-Smith is the president of the I-70/75 Development Association and vice-president of the Ohio Conference of Community Development.
“Centerville is a great community with ample opportunity for development,” Norton-Smith said. “The city boasts a stable and diverse business community, with strong assets like its public safety services, excellent public schools and a unique historic district. I am excited to help Centerville advance strategic projects while bolstering its business outreach efforts.”
City Manager Wayne Davis said Norton-Smith will be a key member of the Centerville team as an outstanding economic development professional.
“He brings a comprehensive knowledge of business in the region and an understanding of economic development tools, as well as a vast business and professional network,” Davis said. “We are excited to have Michael join our team and we are looking forward to great things from him.”
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Christmann came to Centerville from Hamilton County in 2018, where she was employed for 22 years, serving the past five years as director of environmental services. She replaced Nathan Cahall who left to take a similar position in Plain City.
“Being a part of the Centerville team has been an incredible opportunity, and it was not an easy decision to leave. I have enjoyed every single day in this position and will always be grateful for my time here,” Christmann wrote in her letter of resignation to the city manager.
Davis said officials are “happy for Holly and our friends in Hamilton County.”
“In nine months, Holly has impacted our economic development offices with her personality, her poise and her professionalism,”
He said that hiring and working with quality, driven people and helping them develop always comes with a risk of them moving on to higher level positions.
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