City reorganizes staff

A reorganization within the operating structure of the city of Cairo is resulting in new responsibilities for two current employees and a third is retiring.
Cairo City Manager Chris Addleton announced late last week the appointment of Celeste Tyler as the new city director of marketing.
In her new role, Mrs. Tyler, who was originally hired as the communications/marketing director of CNS-Cairo, will not only oversee marketing of CNS-Cairo, but she will be responsible for the Downtown Development Authority and Cairo-Grady County Clean & Beautiful Commission, as well as serving as the city’s economic development officer.
According to Addleton, Mrs. Tyler will be responsible for recruiting more retail businesses to the central business district downtown and the creation of a Main Street program locally.
Marketing and promotions is not new to Mrs. Tyler. During her work career, she has been involved in various marketing efforts for colleges, real estate firms and even the Midland Dairy Association.
While working with the dairy association, Mrs. Tyler was involved in the popular “Got Milk” and ”The Power of Cheese” national advertising campaigns.
City Manager Addleton believes Mrs. Tyler will be most “effective” in improving the downtown business district and in the recruitment of new retail businesses.
“I am excited about these changes,” the city manager said.
“I am thankful for the opportunity and eager to make a positive contribution. Rejuvenating small downtowns resulting in economic growth is a priority here in Cairo, as well as nationwide. I am excited to be a part of it,” Mrs. Tyler said.
Since joining the city staff in June, 2007, Mrs. Tyler has also supervised the customer service and office personnel within the city’s energy services department.
Taking on those responsibilities will be Faye Ingram, who has served as secretary to Energy Services Director Rod Prince. Mrs. Ingram came to the city in July, 2008, after a long career with the local phone company.
“I am very excited about the opportunity that has presented itself. I am confident that my 39-year customer service background will enable me to meet the challenge and help the city of Cairo move forward,” Mrs. Ingram said.
Addleton says Mrs. Ingram is uniquely qualified to lead the customer service personnel of the Energy Services Department. “She has already proven to be a valuable member of the city staff, and I look for even more good things from her in this new role,” the city manager said.
Jim Rittmeyer, who has served as the executive director of the Clean & Beautiful Commission off and on for the last 20 years will be retiring effective July 1.
The dedicated, part-time executive director says he will miss the interaction with school children and others, but may soon take on new responsibilities.
“I’ve enjoyed working in the community and especially with the students of the Grady County schools,” Rittmeyer said.
“We wish Jim the very best and thank him for his many years of dedicated service,” City Manager Addleton said.