PRESS RELEASE
February 28, 2023
For more info contact:
Caroline McKinney, Public Information Officer
513-759-7510
Jesse Lightle Named Next Liberty Township Administrator
The Liberty Township Board of Trustees are pleased to announce that Jesse Lightle has been given a conditional offer of employment for the role of Township Administrator. Lightle succeeds Kristen Bitonte, who resigned her position late last year when her husband took a job transfer out of state. The offer is contingent on Trustees approval of an employment agreement, which will be considered at the March 7 Board of Trustees meeting.
Lightle comes to Liberty Township after serving in a similar role in Washington Township, Montgomery County, for more than 16 years. She resigned as their Township Administrator earlier this year and joined Sinclair Community College as Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff. After realizing her passion lies within local government, she decided to pursue Liberty’s top job citing the many opportunities that lie ahead for the growing community.
“The Board is excited about Jesse joining our team. She brings invaluable executive experience and will be a major asset in helping project our image to the region. Jesse has incredible poise and will bring quick stability to our fantastic team. We can’t wait to see the positive contributions she’ll make to this community,” said Steve Schramm, President, Liberty Township Board of Trustees.
During her tenure in Washington Township, Lightle focused on financial responsibility, infrastructure improvement, planning and economic development. She was applauded by her former Board for her foresight, leadership, energy, passion and dedication. For Lightle, she was most proud of the team she built and the excellent service they provided daily to their residents.
Prior to Washington Township, Lightle was Assistant City Manager for the City of Clayton and Assistant to the City Manager in the City of Centerville. She earned both her bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from Wright State University. Her first day with Liberty Township will be March 8.
“I’m very excited to get to know the Liberty community and help achieve the Township’s vision. There are incredible opportunities and economic development projects on the horizon and I can’t wait to be a part of it. I look forward to working alongside the elected officials and team to continue providing the high-quality service that residents expect from Liberty Township,” said Jesse Lightle.
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