ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – Ithaca has its first-ever city manager.

The position has been offered to Deb Mohlenhoff, former Fifth Ward Alderperson from 2009-2021 and current Chief of Staff to Mayor Laura Lewis. Mohlenhoff will run much of the day-to-day operations in the city after voters approved a referendum to transition to a council-manager form of government in the fall of 2022.

Mohlenhoff has a Master of Public Administration degree from Binghamton University and a Bachelor of Science in Communications degree from Ithaca College. She recently held high-level positions at TC3 and developed a leadership training program with Tompkins and Cortland Chambers of Commerce.

Ithaca Common Council is expected to approve her appointment in a final vote at its meeting on December 6. Mohlenhoff will begin in her new role on January 1.