PLUSQUELLIC APPOINTS REPLACEMENT AS DEPUTY SERVICE DIRECTOR
A 27-year veteran of public service is retiring. At the age of 48, Jeff Fusco has announced he will step down December 31, 2007 after 10 years as deputy service director.
Fusco was appointed in 1997 by Mayor Don Plusquellic, and along with John Valle, serves on the mayor's cabinet as one of two deputy service directors under Public Service Director Richard Merolla.
It was 1980 when Fusco began his career in public service with Summit County. In 1986 he began as an Akron city council representative, winning election in ward 10. When he left council to come to work in the executive branch of city government, he was an at-large councilman.
"I have been privileged to serve the people of Akron in these capacities," said Fusco. "My appreciation for the way this team of employees gets things done has grown tremendously, and I'm proud of what is accomplished every single day for the people of Akron."
"Jeff Fusco is tireless," said Mayor Don Plusquellic. "Citizens don't know it, but he is, in large part, the reason so many things in our neighborhoods that must get done, do get done. We're going to miss his energy around here. He has served this community and my administration very well."
The Department of Public service has 750 employees and an annual budget of $150 million. Akron's deputy service directors oversee the divisions of: engineering, public works, public utilities, parks and recreation, building inspection, traffic engineering and the 3-1-1 Call Center.
Rick Merolla observed, "There is no way our citizens could know the extent to which Jeff has improved our neighborhoods, helped answer residents' questions and solved problems for them. He always made it look easy, and it isn't. He and John Valle, being former councilmen, have made a good team."
To replace Fusco, the mayor has appointed 61 year old Ron Williamson. Williamson has served Akron as a customer service specialist and customer service coordinator since joining the city workforce in 2000.
"Ron brings to the job valuable experience in taking care of neighborhood problems." said Merolla. "He will be a useful member of our administration because of his commitment to serving Akron's neighborhoods."
A life-long resident of Akron, Williamson retired after working 32 years as a sales representative in the Akron area. He was hired by the city in 2000. Since then, he has implemented the 311-system's service response effort to make certain every complaint or request for service is handled appropriately.
"I've enjoyed tremendously working with the people of Akron in every one of our neighborhoods," said Williamson. "I'm looking forward to continuing to make a difference in our community by concentrating on solving neighborhood service problems."
