A major leadership shift is coming to Ithaca’s government as City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff prepares to leave her post at the end of the month.
The move comes after the Common Council asked for her resignation and decided to seek new leadership heading into the new year. The city confirmed no wrongdoing and emphasized that the decision was about aligning with fresh goals.
Mohlenhoff was appointed Ithaca’s first city manager following years in local government. She previously served on Common Council from 2009 to 2021 and later as chief of staff under Mayor Laura Lewis in 2023.
“It has been my honor to serve as Ithaca’s first city manager and to work alongside the extraordinary City staff,” Mohlenhoff said in a statement. “While this departure was not at my initiative, I respect the Council’s authority to select a city manager whose approach more closely aligns with their goals.”
Mayor Robert Cantelmo thanked Mohlenhoff for her years of public service and praised her role in building the city’s administrative systems. “I thank Ms. Mohlenhoff for her years of service and her contributions to the professionalization of city administration,” he said.
Mohlenhoff played a key role in launching the city’s new government structure, modernizing policies, and fostering collaboration across departments. She said she’s proud of the systems put in place and remains hopeful about Ithaca’s future.
“It has been a genuine privilege to serve the residents and visitors of the City of Ithaca in this inaugural role,” she said. “I remain confident that the systems and relationships we established will continue to benefit the City well into the future.”
To ensure continuity, Deputy City Manager Dominick Recckio will step in as acting city manager starting January 1.
Mayor Cantelmo emphasized the Council’s ongoing support for city staff and pledged to maintain the quality of service residents expect.
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