Joseph Stefanov has served as city manager since January 3, 2000. As New Albany’s chief executive officer, he advises city council on policy matters, implements council and administrative policies and oversees all city operations. Joe is the longest serving professional CEO in New Albany’s history.
When Joe first came to New Albany, it was a bedroom community with only 3,300 residents and approximately 20 village employees (which included only three public service staff and two building staff). Today, New Albany’s population is approximately 11,000 with a footprint of nearly 17 square miles; and through his leadership team, Joe manages a staff of more than 100 full-time employees.
Joe’s strategic approach to economic development has served as a catalyst for new business. The New Albany International Business Park, which was literally a vision in a cornfield shortly before Joe’s arrival, now consists of more than $5.5 billion in committed private investment, 12 million square feet of commercial space and 16,000 employees.
This growth has enabled City Council and staff to expand community services, make significant investment in public infrastructure, and strengthen its overall financial position while simultaneously improving New Albany’s bond rating to AAA. New Albany is one of only six Ohio cities to obtain a Triple A rating with Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.
Joe has always believed in the value of partnerships to achieve together what would not have been possible alone. The city’s fiber optic network in partnership with AEP, the McCoy Center for the Arts, the Hinson Amphitheater and the Heit Center are examples of the collaborative spirit that moves our community forward.
Prior to accepting the position in New Albany, Joe served as Village Administrator of the Village of Fayette for nearly four years. Joe began his career in public service with the City of Parma, where he served as a member of the city’s civil service commission for seven years. He earned his master’s degree in public administration with a specialization in economic development from Cleveland State University, where he also earned his bachelor’s degree with a major in political science and a minor in economics. He is a member of the International City Management Association and the Ohio City Management Association. He represents the city on the board of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission where he has chaired several committees and currently serves as a member of the executive committee. Joe also serves as a board member on the Ohio Plan Risk Management Pool and is Chairperson of Ohio Plan Board of Trustees.
Joe, a native of the Greater Cleveland area, has been married to his wife Debbie for more than 34 years. They have two grown children and two grandchildren.
