By: Mayor-Elect Dan Ridenour Transition Team—
Muncie, IN—The Ridenour transition team continues to move diligently and with consistency toward a single purpose—hiring the best people we can so Muncie can be successful in 2020 and beyond. The Ridenour administration team continues to develop and take shape as we draw closer to taking office January 1st. We are very proud to add the following appointments:
Trent Conway has been appointed to the position of Controller of the City of Muncie. Trent is currently the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis and Assistant Controller for Kleenco Maintenance & Construction in Alexandria which is a $70 million construction company conducting business in 18 states. Conway has both a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Accounting from Ball State University. “I am excited and honored to be a part of this new administration,” said Conway. “I am committed to using my skill set to support a new hope and vision for Muncie.” Mayor-Elect Ridenour added, “The City of Muncie is fortunate to have someone like Trent with his solid background leading our financial department. I am absolutely thrilled to have him on board.”
Mikah L. Wilson has been appointed to the position of Administrative Assistant to the Mayor. According to Mayor-elect Ridenour, “Mikah will play a crucial role in the future success of Muncie. Everyone will soon understand how lucky we are to have her join us.” Wilson currently serves as a Project Coordinator in the PPG Lean Transformation Office of Parkview Health in Fort Wayne. She has served as Executive Assistant for Travelers Insurance, State Farm Insurance Claims Department, Congressman Mike Pence and others. Wilson said, “It is an honor to have been selected. I am looking forward to working with his team to create an honest and open city government that will return prosperity and growth to Muncie.”
Steve Selvey has been appointed to the position of Building Commissioner for the City of Muncie. “I’m excited to be a part of the Ridenour administration and very supportive of his vision for our community,” said Selvey about his appointment to the team. His background is in finance and includes an MBA, plus considerable experience operating a local business in the construction industry and real estate. “The building commissioner’s office is critical to future growth and it is a priority of mine. To hire someone with experience in business and experience as a building commissioner is a definite plus. We can hit the ground running,” said Mayor Elect Ridenour.
Gretchen Cheesman will be the new Community Development Director. Cheesman is currently a Development Associate with Flaherty & Collins where her responsibilities include efforts on Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Historic Tax Credits (HTC), Opportunity Zone Credits, HOME, CDBG and the Federal Home Loan Bank. “Gretchen has the experience and knowledge we need,” said Ridenour. “She will absolutely follow the rules, do the paperwork correctly and balance the CD budgets. With Gretchen joining our team we can expect good results for Muncie in the future.” Cheesman worked 16 years for the City of Muncie in roles as Administrator of Unsafe Building Hearing Authority, Environmental Review Planner, Brownfield Coordinator, and Historic Preservation Officer. She has a BS in Public Affairs from Indiana University with a concentration in Community Development and Planning. “I’m honored to be part of Mayor-elect Ridenour’s team and look forward to working with our new leadership and the dedicated men and women who will provide day-to-day services,” said Cheesman.
