The November 2021 election saw the biggest field of candidates that the City of Wyoming has seen in years vying for the seven seats on City Council. And with the start of the new term, elections for Mayor and Vice-Mayor took place as well.
When the votes were counted, the new Council members were Daniel Driehaus, April Robles, Melissa Monich, Grant Hoffman, and Chris Woodside. Nancy Averett returned for a second term, and Sarah Stankorb-Taylor will serve a third term.
After the swearing-in ceremony, the Council chose Melissa Monich to be the new City Mayor, with Sarah Stankorb-Taylor as Vice Mayor.
Melissa Monich
Street
Springfield Pike
How Long Have You Lived in Wyoming?
21 Years
Your Career/Experience Up To Now
I’m a retired Vice President of Research and Development at Procter & Gamble. Currently, I am an investor member at Queen City Angels, where we work to identify and fund promising entrepreneurs.
Why Did You Run For Council?
Two main reasons. First, I served on the Urban Forestry and Beautification Commission the last three years, and learned that I enjoyed delivering projects for the City and working with City employees. Second, I think the 2018 Wyoming Master Plan is an excellent piece of work, and I am very motivated to help make it happen.
April Robles
Street
Fleming Road
How Long Have You Lived in Wyoming?
8 Years
Your Career/Experience Up To Now
I currently serve as the Director of Operations and Communications for the Center for Career Exploration and Success at Miami University. I have worked in higher education administration for over 20 years.
Why Did You Run For Council?
After serving the past year on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force for the City of Wyoming, I feel compelled to ensure that the recommendations live on through the next Wyoming City Council Members. I also feel like we need more women and diverse perspectives on the Council to help represent our community. I want to show others that a Full-Time Professional and a Full-Time Parent can contribute to the community in this capacity.
Chris Woodside
Street
Wilmuth Avenue
How Long Have You Lived in Wyoming?
32 Years
Your Career/Experience Up To Now:
I currently work in Corporate Banking at 5/3 Bank. Prior to that, I worked in individual and corporate Fundraising and Development roles at the UC Foundation, Cincinnati Art Museum, Townescapes & Towne Construction, and the Mercy Health Foundation.
Why Did You Run For Council?
To help bring back common sense, communication, and normalcy to City Council while putting the focus back on our beautiful community
Grant Hoffman
Street
Hillcrest Drive
How Long Have You Lived in Wyoming?
Four and a Half Years
Your Career/Experience Up To This Time:
I began my career in the medical device space designing implantable valves, stents, and the necessary delivery systems. This work led to the creation of the Venous Disease business unit for the largest privately owned medical device company in the US. My career then continued at the Cleveland Clinic in the Innovations office where I commercialized physician-invented life-saving technologies. Then I returned to my alma mater, Rose-Hulman, to build an entrepreneurial engineering unit. I went on to Emerson Electric’s HELIX Innovation Center to lead the integration of early-stage ideas and prototypes invented at the Center into Emerson’s larger, complex business units. I currently work for the University of Cincinnati where I was recruited to build what is now the Venture Lab, the University’s startup accelerator.
Why Did You Run For Council?
When I originally told my wife I’d like to run for City Council, she politely asked me this same question. My answer, validated in talking with you our neighbors, was discontentment with the state of division within our community caused by the previous presidential election, the pandemic, and people’s propensity to now direct their anger and hate at others through social media. I have a genuine desire and passion to bring the community together and help us all realize we aren’t all that different. My background in economic development will be helpful as we guide the City along with our Master Plan and its neighbor-derived goals, and my engineering-founded desire to be efficient and responsible with money will contribute to the City’s continued financial stability and responsible spending. Most importantly, I ran for Council because I love our neighborhood and I continue to be excited about the positive impact we can create here.
Dan Driehaus
Street
Wyoming Avenue
How Long Have You Lived Here?
Two and a Half Years
Your Career/Experience Up To Now
My entire professional career has been in the property & casualty insurance industry, beginning at the Cincinnati Financial Corporation. I eventually became a minority partner at the Schiff, Kreidler-Shell Insurance Agency before I opened my own business in 2014, The Driehaus Insurance Agency, in downtown Cincinnati.
Why Did You Run For Council?
My family and I moved to Wyoming for the wonderful schools, but we have been so impressed by the commitment that residents feel toward all of our civic institutions. That enthusiasm, combined with my volunteer experience in local government that runs the gamut from Pleasant Ridge Community Council President to the Chair of the City of Cincinnati Planning Commission, made the decision to throw my hat in the ring of the city council race really appealing. It seemed like a good opportunity to serve the community that our family has quickly grown to love.
