On Wednesday, August 2, Greenbelt City Council announced the selection of Josué Salmerón as the new Greenbelt city manager. After a year-long nationwide search, Salmerón was one of three finalists that also included Interim City Manager Tim George and Assistant City Manager of College Park Bill Gardiner. Salmerón will be coming to Greenbelt from Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he has served as village manager for four years.
“Council is excited to welcome Mr. Salmerón to Greenbelt as our city manager. In making this choice, we solicited input from the public and conducted an extensive national search. We interviewed several highly qualified candidates and allowed city staff and the public to meet the finalists,” said Mayor Emmett Jordan. “In the end, Mr. Salmerón’s leadership abilities and varied experience with municipal government, in the District of Columbia and with the private sector, unified council in making the selection.”
While village manager of Yellow Springs, which has a population of almost 3,700 (compared to Greenbelt’s 25,000) Salmerón has managed the village’s operations: public safety, public works, utilities, capital and infrastructure improvements and economic/community development and oversaw a budget of $18 million and a team of over 50. He was also charged with executing policies of elected officials, while serving as a conduit to the community to address needs and concerns. In 2022, Salmerón was selected as a 40 under 40 award recipient by the Dayton Business Journal.
“I am deeply honored to accept the role of city manager for the City of Greenbelt,” said Salmerón. “The vibrant history and strong sense of community spirit have drawn me to this exceptional city. I am eager to join the talented team and the dedicated councilmembers who have paved the way for the city’s remarkable success,” he said. “Together, we can continue Greenbelt’s success which makes it so special. I am thrilled to embark on this new journey focusing on collaboration, innovation and continued prosperity for all Greenbelt residents.”
Salmerón’s last day as village manager for Yellow Springs is September 3, after which he will be moving to Greenbelt with his family, which includes his two children. He will assume his new role of city manager sometime after Labor Day, said Jordan. During a recent meet-and-greet with residents, Salmerón listed housing, social equity and stormwater infrastructure as Greenbelt’s most pressing issues, as Stephanie Quinn reported in our July 13 issue.
While the city manager search was underway, Tim George served as interim city manager for almost two years. “The council is extremely grateful for his service and excellent work,” said Jordan, who stated that George will continue his work with the City of Greenbelt in the role of assistant city manager.