Kiehl brings lifetime of service to Carrollton village administrator role

After decades in public service, Chris Kiehl is continuing that work in his new role as Carrollton’s village administrator.

Kiehl, who began the position in January, said the transition has felt natural given his background.

“It’s almost like I trained for it unknowingly,” Kiehl said. “When I saw what this job really was, I thought, I don’t know if you could walk into a job with a better life history preparing yourself to do what would be required of a village administrator.”

A graduate of Ohio Northern University with a degree in biology, Kiehl began his career working in environmental field work before moving to the Franklin County Health Department as a sanitarian. He later returned to Carroll County, where he spent nearly 20 years as environmental director at the Carroll County General Health District.

Kiehl also worked with the county engineer’s office, building connections throughout the community and gaining experience with infrastructure, roads and environmental issues, all of which he said have prepared him for his current role.

After retiring from his previous position, Kiehl said the opportunity to serve as village administrator came at the right time.

“I thought, man, that’s something I know I can do well, and I think I can help the village,” he said.

In his first few months on the job, Kiehl said he has been focused on learning the day-to-day operations and responding to the constant flow of issues that come with the position.

“The volume of issues you have to handle during the day can be overwhelming,” he said. “You could think it’s going to be an easy day, and then suddenly there are multiple things at your desk that need attention.”

Kiehl said the role is largely reactive, requiring quick decision-making and coordination with multiple departments.

“You’re not going to train somebody for what happens during a windstorm,” he said. “You have to react and make the best decisions in the village’s best interest.”

He credits former village administrator Mark Wells for helping ease the transition, noting the two worked together for about six weeks and continue to stay in contact.

Kiehl said he has also enjoyed working with village council and Mayor Bill Stoneman, along with department heads and staff.

“I’ve been around long enough to see some groups of councils that weren’t great to work with, but this is a really good group,” he said. “Mayor Stoneman has been really great to work with.”

Among current priorities, Kiehl pointed to a planned sidewalk project along state Route 43 and an upcoming paving program as key efforts for the village.

He also said the village is continuing to develop park and recreation opportunities, including improvements at Fifth Street Park and planning for newly acquired land.

Beyond projects, Kiehl said one of his biggest motivations for taking the job was the opportunity to continue serving the community.

A longtime volunteer firefighter and former reserve deputy, Kiehl said the position allows him to stay connected to public safety and local service.

“I felt like I kind of owed it to the village,” he said.

Kiehl said he is enjoying the challenge of the new role and the opportunity to make a difference in the community where he has spent much of his life.

Kiehl is married to Missy and has three children: stepchildren Megan and Brennen and a son, Cooper.