MOUNT VERNON – The City of Mount Vernon has hired Tanner Salyers as its new safety-service director. His first day will be Monday, Oct. 16, when he will begin his onboarding and orientation.
Salyers, who has served as Knox County Recorder since June 2021, sat on the Mount Vernon City Council from 2019 to 2021. He currently is the city’s recreation director. He succeeds former Safety-Service Director Richard Dzik.
Dzik left in September to become the city manager of Huber Heights after serving as Mount Vernon’s SSD since December 2019.
“Tanner is a self-starter and is someone who does his homework before making a decision. He’s a creative problem solver and understands what we’re trying to accomplish in the city through modernizing our structure and services to the public,” said Mayor Matthew Starr.
“We’re excited to have him on board.”
Salyers is a Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Kent State University graduate. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Starr noted that Salyers, with an educational background in government and economics, has studied for the position he’s now assuming.
Starr added that Salyers, as a former member of city council, understands the legislative side of government, has overseen a departmental budget at the county recorder’s office, and also knows how the legislative process works at the state level. He has connections in Columbus, throughout the state, and in Washington, D.C.
“The City of Mount Vernon is experiencing an exciting time for its people and its government. We have an opportunity for smart growth and smart development,” said Salyers. “I look forward to working with the mayor, his administration, and all of our team members at the city as well as council in seeing our mission carried forward.”
Salyers lives in the north end of Mount Vernon with his wife and daughter. They attend Lifepoint Church.