James R. Crider, a U.S. Army officer for the past 28 years, has accepted the position as the City of Carmel’s new Director of Administration, Mayor Jim Brainard announced today. Crider replaces Steve Engelking, who retired late last year.
As Director of Administration, Crider will serve as chief of staff, overseeing day-to-day administrative operations throughout the city. He will serve as director of the Emergency Operations Team, is designated as the city’s official Purchasing Agent and will oversee all City owned or leased property. In addition, he will assist the Mayor with special projects.
“I am very pleased to have Jim join our staff. He brings with him a wealth of experience in executive leadership and project management skills from his long military career that will no doubt benefit the city and local taxpayers,” stated Mayor Brainard in a press release.
A native of Mayfield, Kentucky, Crider was an ROTC student and went on to serve the U.S. Army in a variety of leadership positions from infantry platoon leader to brigade commander. His assignments included Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Stewart, Georgia; Fort Bliss, Texas; Washington, D.C.; and most recently serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Effects, U.S. Army, Europe, in Wiesbaden, Germany. A veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, his career in the Army also allowed him to witness the fall of the Berlin Wall and work directly with leaders from numerous allied and partner nations.
Crider holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Troy University; a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Kentucky; and he is a graduate of the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, North Carolina. Currently residing in Germany, Crider has been married to his wife, Jill, for 28 years and they have a 15-year-old son, Jack. When he is not watching his son play soccer, Crider enjoys biking, golf, photography and traveling with his family.
Crider will begin his official duties in June.
Submitted release courtesy of City of Carmel.
