Cuyahoga County committee advances personnel classification changes and confirms a slate of advisory-board appointments

CLEVELAND — The Cuyahoga County Human Resources, Appointments & Equity Committee on Tuesday advanced a countywide nonbargaining classification plan and approved a package of board appointments and reappointments, moving most items forward under suspension with no opposition.

Albert Bushehine, manager of classification and compensation for the Personnel Review Commission, told the committee the PRC recommended three new classifications, four revised classifications and two deletions after reviews at its Nov. 13 and Dec. 4, 2024 meetings. He said only one incumbent’s pay grade changed (a systems analyst in the county IT department moved from grade 10 to 11) and there was no fiscal impact because the employee already fell within the new grade.

The committee voted to advance Resolution 2024-0436 — the nonbargaining classification updates — to a second reading after members asked about the PRC’s routine maintenance cycle, which Bushehine described as a four‑year review of classifications supported by comprehensive position questionnaires and interdepartmental coordination.

Christopher Alvarado, representing the county executive, presented a series of nominations and reappointments to advisory boards. Notable confirmations included:

• Sarah Steinle to the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities for a four‑year term beginning Feb. 1, 2025. Steinle, who described her lived experience with a developmental disability and professional background in rehabilitation services and as an alumni program coordinator for Youth Challenge, told the committee, “I am so blessed and honored to be the first person with a developmental disability to serve on the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities.” Amber Gibbs, CEO and superintendent of the county board, said the administration is working to recruit more people with disabilities for county boards.

• Reappointments to the Board of Developmental Disabilities and to the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, including Janice M. Ziegel to a term through Dec. 31, 2027; committee members heard Ziegel describe the agency’s recent strategic planning and her focus on aging services.

• Multiple appointments to the County Advisory Board on Senior and Adult Services and related advisory bodies, including Benjamin R. Goodwin, Alyssa Peters, Victoria Bowden, Robin Kaltenbach, Jared D. Sherman, Christopher T. Hall, Jennifer Cones, Cheryl M. Bridal and Donesha (Donisha) Green. Presenters summarized nominees’ professional qualifications (for example, MetroHealth nurse leaders and AARP advocacy staff) and the advisory board role of advising on programs like Meals-on-Wheels, transportation and elder protections.

For most nominations the committee approved motions to advance the resolutions under suspension (an expedited procedure to confirm appointments at the same meeting). Where members inquired, presenters described term lengths (typically three or four years, depending on the board), the number of board seats and processes for recruiting or vetting candidates.

Procedure and votes: The committee conducted roll call at the start of the meeting (Chairman Sweeney, Councilman Gallagher, Councilwoman Conwell and Councilwoman Turner present; Mr. Hauser absent). For each item advanced under suspension, members called the question and the chair announced the ayes and no oppositions.

What’s next: Items advanced to second reading will be processed consistent with council rules and the county charter; where nominations were confirmed under suspension, appointees will assume duties according to the board schedules and term start dates announced during the meeting.

The committee adjourned after thanking administration staff and the nominees for their preparedness.