On Monday, January 13, 2020, current Director of Law Russ Balthis submitted his letter of resignation to the City of Cuyahoga Falls after accepting a position with the nationally recognized public and infrastructure practice group at the law firm of Squire Patton Boggs. His last day with the city will be January 28, 2020. Balthis has served as the city’s director of law since January of 2014.
“Russ has been an essential part of my administration and one of my most trusted advisors and I could not be prouder of his commitment, dedication, and drive to serve our city. Squire Patton Boggs will benefit greatly from his expertise and experience,” stated Mayor Walters. “As he begins this next chapter of his career, I am grateful that he plans to remain engaged, involved, and invested in our community.”
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the City of Cuyahoga Falls as part of the forward-thinking, transformational leadership team of Mayor Walters,” said Balthis. “I am proud that I was able to play a vital role in projects that have moved the city forward such as the redevelopment of Downtown Cuyahoga Falls and bringing the County of Summit DD Board headquarters to our city. As a resident of Cuyahoga Falls, I am thankful for the city’s growth and success and will look for new and innovative ways to serve this community that I call home.”
Mayor Walters will nominate current Deputy Director of Law Janet Ciotola to serve as the new Director of Law at the City Council meeting on Monday, February 3, 2020. If confirmed, Ciotola will become the city’s first woman to serve as Director of Law and will begin her new role on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. As Deputy Director of Law, she has been instrumental in the transformation of Downtown Cuyahoga Falls and in the handling of litigation, contracts, and legislation for the city.
“I am both excited for and humbled by the opportunity to serve the residents of Cuyahoga Falls as the Director of Law, pending confirmation from City Council,” remarked Ciotola. “I have spent most of my entire law career as a public servant and look forward to continuing to work in this new capacity.”
Prior to her employment at the City of Cuyahoga Falls, Ciotola served the City of Akron as the Assistant Director of Law for thirteen years. She is a 1989 graduate of the University of Akron School of Law. She serves as a board member of the Rotary Club of Cuyahoga Falls and is a parishioner and volunteer at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. She resides with her family in the City of Cuyahoga Falls.