Sheryl M.M. Long is the 18th City Manager for the City of Cincinnati. As City Manager, she leads the City Administration, including overseeing day-to-day operations and the execution of the Mayor and City Council’s policy vision.
Sheryl was appointed City Manager on September 1, 2022 after previously serving as Assistant City Manager since April 2019.
In Cincinnati, the role of City Manager is similar to that of a Chief Executive Officer or Chief Operating Officer in the private sector. Sheryl manages City operations and more than 6,000 employees in departments as diverse as Public Services, Buildings & Inspections, Budget, Law, Transportation & Engineering, Fire, Police, Planning & Engagement, Parks, and more. She administers the policies set forth by the Mayor and City Council, and also tasks the Administration with making recommendations to elected officials.
Since becoming City Manager, Sheryl has proudly realized several achievements. Prioritizing transparency and data-driven operations, she launched the Strategic Initiatives Execution Teams (SIET) framework to deliver more collaborative and efficient decision making. Her Administration has overseen several transformative development projects, including the renovation of the Duke Energy Convention Center, redevelopment of the Saks Fifth Avenue site, and deployment of infrastructure spending as the result of the sale of the Cincinnati Southern Railway.
Other accomplishments include the creation of the non-police Alternative Response to Crisis (ARC) unit for mental and behavioral health emergencies, the launch of the Building Inspector Academy, historic investments in youth employment through the Career Pathways Initiative, the development of the Place-Based Initiatives Manager and Violence Reduction Manager roles in the City Manager’s Office, and the appointment of Chief Teresa Theetge as Cincinnati’s 16th Police Chief—the first woman to hold the job.
Sheryl is also passionate about Rock the Block, a bi-monthly community engagement blitz that invites City employees to dine, shop, and volunteer in Cincinnati neighborhoods on a rotating basis, closer connecting City workers to the communities they serve.
Sheryl previously served as City Administrator for the City of North College Hill. Prior to being promoted to City Administrator, she led North College Hill’s city communications.
In addition to her public service experience, Sheryl worked in the private sector in marketing, communications, and real estate. She earned a B.A. from Miami University and an M.A. from Southern New Hampshire University.
Sheryl lives in Clifton and enjoys spending time with her husband Al, her sons Albert and Almar, and her stepdaughter Alaria.