Columbus City Council appoints Toya Johnson as city clerk ahead of Andrea Blevins’ retirement

Columbus City Council voted to appoint Toya Johnson as city clerk effective June 1, following the announced retirement of long-serving City Clerk Andrea “Angie” Blevins, whose last day is May 30.

Council President Hardin made the appointment during the meeting and praised Blevins’s decades of service to the city. The council approved the appointment by roll-call vote after a second; the clerk read the roll call and the motion carried.

Why it matters: the city clerk’s office processes and maintains the administrative record for council business and handles legislative workflow. Hardin called the clerk’s office “an institution” at City Hall and said staff work “to keep this place running smoothly.” Council members offered tributes in the meeting and Hardin said a formal send-off will be organized later in the month.

Council member remarks and procedure: Hardin moved that Toya Johnson be appointed effective June 1; a colleague seconded and the clerk called the roll. Multiple council members praised both Blevins and Johnson. Hardin said Toya Johnson has been with the clerk’s office three years and “brings a wealth of experience” and a “sharp eye for detail.”

Next steps: the appointment is effective June 1; council members said a public farewell event for Andrea Blevins will follow later in the month.

Ending: The appointment and tributes closed out the personnel item; the meeting then proceeded to the remainder of the agenda.