Berner Will Be Development Director for City of Fairview Park

Former Avon Lake mayor, Rob Berner, has left his position at LORCO to accept employment to take the position of service and development director at the city of Fairview Park.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity and the challenge,” Berner said. “Working again in city government has been one of my desires for the past few years. I believe Mayor Patton and the City Council have done a great job in formulating a vision for the future of the city.”

Berner served as Avon Lake’s mayor from 2001 – 2007. From 2008 – 2009 he was the safety service director for the city of Port Clinton before becoming the executive director of the Lorain County Rural Wastewater District (LORCO). He stepped down from that position earlier this month.

In 2011, he unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Avon Lake. 

“I am looking forward to working with council and the administration to continue to move the city forward,” Berner said. “I want to thank all those who have supported my efforts in public service over the years.”

His new position starts on July 8. Berner will replace Jim Kennedy, who is retiring.

Fairview Park Mayor Eileen Patton said Berner’s experience gave him an edge.

“Of all the resumes submitted, Rob Berner rose to the top due to his experience in municipal government,” Patton said. “With Rob's past experience working in small government, including Avon Lake and Port Clinton, he understands that we need to work as a team in order to grow and prosper.

In Fairview Park, the position of Director of Service and Development is unique since it is the only city in Cuyahoga County that has two major departments combined into one.

“Rob has first hand experience in economic development with the success he had in bringing new business into Avon Lake and first hand experience in overseeing the service duties in Port Clinton,” Patton said.

Avon Lake enjoyed a significant increase in business during Berner’s administration.

“As a former mayor, he also understands how important it is that we have a safe and satisfying workplace for our employees,” Patton said. “I look forward to Rob starting on July 8. He will be hitting the road immediately on his first day as we have numerous major ongoing projects that will keep him very busy.”