Paul Shipp elected Rocky River Council president; Christina Morris named president pro-tem; clerk sworn in

Councilman Paul Shipp was elected Council president by a unanimous 7–0 vote at the Rocky River City Council legislative meeting on Jan. 12, 2026. Council also elected Councilwoman Christina Morris as president pro-tem by the same unanimous margin. President David W. Furry turned the meeting over to Shipp following the votes.

The session included the swearing-in of Lauren G. Oley as Clerk of Council; President Shipp administered the oath. "I will do my best to continue the fine leadership that was set by Councilman Furry and Councilman Moran before him," Shipp said after his election, and he thanked colleagues and the mayor for their support.

Shipp used the organizational moment to announce standing committee chairs for 2026. Jeanne Gallagher will chair Buildings, Equipment & Technology; Shipp will chair Contracts, Government & Judicial; James Moran will chair Environmental; David W. Furry will remain Finance chair; Christina Morris will chair Parks, Recreation & Health; Lisa Havemann will chair Planning, Zoning & Economic Development; and Thomas Hunt will chair Safety. Shipp noted committee membership and emphasized continuity on finance and safety given ongoing projects, including the fire station bond issuance.

The new leadership team will oversee routine committee business and continuing projects brought forward by the administration. The meeting record shows no formal dissent in the organizational votes. The council adjourned the organizational portion of the session and proceeded to consider ordinance and resolution business later in the meeting.