New Albany City Council voted on Tuesday, June 23, to appoint John McClelland to City Council. McClelland succeeds former Councilmember Chip Fellows, who retired after 20 years of service to New Albany.
McClelland’s appointment will begin on Tuesday, June 30. New Albany City Council appointed him following a public application and interview process.
“John McClelland is a proven public leader with more than 10 years of service to our community,” New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding said. “We are excited to add John’s experience and leadership to City Council as we continue thoughtfully planning for New Albany’s future while preserving the qualities that make it a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
McClelland brings a long record of public service and community leadership to New Albany City Council. He has served on the New Albany-Plain Local Schools Board of Education since January 2014, including terms as both President and Vice President. During his tenure, he also served as the Board’s Government Liaison to the City of New Albany, Legislative Liaison, and Liaison for New Albany for Kids. McClelland’s last day on the Board will be Monday, June 29.
“Mr. McClelland has helped guide our district through a period of remarkable community expansion,” New Albany-Plain Local Schools Superintendent Michael Sawyers said. “He has worked collaboratively with district leaders, local officials, and community partners to address growth, infrastructure, and long-term planning needs while maintaining a strong focus on academic excellence and public accountability. His leadership has helped develop our statement of purpose: to create a culture of accountability to achieve the best academic and developmental outcomes for each student.”
In addition to his service in education, McClelland has more than 20 years of experience in public affairs, communications, and government relations. He currently serves as Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer for the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. Prior to joining the Airport Authority, he was President and Principal Consultant of Trimac Advisors, a New Albany-based firm specializing in communications, public affairs, and government relations.
McClelland believes in New Albany’s strategic approach to growth and the City’s collaborative relationship with residents, businesses, and community partners to achieve an outstanding community of choice. He is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to New Albany’s progress in a thoughtful and responsible way.
“It has been a privilege to serve our community as a member of the New Albany-Plain Local Schools Board of Education, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to continue serving as a member of New Albany City Council,” McClelland said. “New Albany is a special community, and as we continue to grow, we have an important responsibility to build on our strong foundation while preserving the character and quality of life that make this such an exceptional place to call home. New Albany’s success is rooted in strong collaboration and a shared commitment to community. I look forward to working with my colleagues on City Council and our community partners as we lead our community forward.”
McClelland holds a Master of Business Administration from Franklin University. He and his wife, Angelika, have lived in New Albany since 2015 and are the proud parents of three children who attended New Albany-Plain Local Schools.
