City of Findlay administrator resigns

FINDLAY — The city of Findlay's human resources director since 2014 has announced his resignation. In a press release issued Tuesday, Mayor Christina Muryn announced that Director Don Essex has submitted his resignation, effective Nov. 13. Essex has accepted a new position with the city of Upper Arlington. "I am very sad to lose Don but know that this is the right decision for him. Don has been an immeasurable asset to myself and the entire community," said Muryn. "He has been extremely engaged on boards, committees, a sounding board for challenges, and a steady voice for the city of Findlay administration. On behalf of the city of Findlay team, I thank him for his service and wish him nothing but the best in this new adventure." Before being hired by Findlay, Essex worked as a human resource generalist in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. "Working for the city of Findlay, and being a part of the Findlay community, has been a great experience," said Essex. "I feel that we have the best public servants and a community that keeps getting better and better. I am truly thankful for the opportunity I've had to be a part of both." As part of the city's administrative team, Findlay's human resources director is appointed by the mayor. The job opening has been posted on the city's website: findlayohio.gov, along with instructions on how to apply. Muryn expects to make the new appointment after Jan. 1. Essex's yearly salary for 2024 was $102,814. According to the city's website, Findlay's Human Resources and Performance Excellence Department works "to support the city's strategic goals, mission, vision and values by attracting and recruiting a qualified, competent and diverse workforce to deliver exceptional services to Findlay residents, visitors and businesses." The department is also responsible for promoting workplace safety, improving employee satisfaction, creating and updating job descriptions, maintaining a consistent city-wide performance management system and formulating and implementing recommendations for improvements or modifications based on findings and emerging best practices. Findlay employs about 360 workers, including elected officials, full and part-time employees and seasonal workers.