Shaker Heights Council adopts resolution honoring long-serving CAO Jeri Chaikin

Shaker Heights City Council on Monday adopted a resolution expressing appreciation for Jeri E. Chaikin’s decades of public service and announcing her step-down as chief administrative officer and clerk of council. Council voted unanimously to approve the resolution and read a Cuyahoga County proclamation recognizing Chaikin’s career.

The resolution notes Chaikin has led oversight of 12 departments, roughly 300 full‑time staff and an $84 million annual budget since February 2001. The text says Chaikin will step down as CAO effective Sept. 2, 2025, serve as special projects coordinator through Sept. 30, 2025, and then retire. Mayor and councilmembers spoke at length, praising her institutional knowledge, mentorship of staff and leadership through crises including the COVID‑19 pandemic.

At the meeting, councilmembers called out Chaikin’s roles beyond city government, listing prior work on the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s HealthLine project and two decades in Cuyahoga County government, and her civic board service. A proclamation from Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne was read into the record recognizing Chaikin’s career and regional impact.

Chaikin addressed council, saying, “Thank you all so much for giving me the honor of being your CAO for 24 years. I never thought I'd stay in the same job 24 years, but this job is different every single day... I have the best job.” Council paused for a group photograph and indicated there will be additional opportunities to honor Chaikin before her departure.

The resolution was moved and seconded on the floor and adopted by roll call with all members voting aye.