MOUNT GILEAD—Village Mayor Jamie Brucker is stepping down to assume a new role with Morrow County.

Brucker was hired as County Operations Manager during this week’s Morrow County Commissioners meeting.

“With the official vote this morning, I can share that I have been selected to serve as the Director of Operations for the county. This role will allow me to take the same passion I’ve had for the village and share that passion across the county during a time when our county will see major changes coming with the projected growth of central Ohio,” Brucker said.

President of Village Council Emily Shaffer will fill the mayoral seat, per the Ohio Revised Code, until that term expires on Dec. 31, 2023.

“It’s been my goal to help create positive changes in our community, and with the help of village council, we have made many positive changes over the years with many more in the works,” Brucker said.

Village council and community leaders praised Brucker for guiding Mount Gilead during the difficult time of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The position combines the duties of Development Director Andy Ware, who is retiring, with the overall operations for the county. Brucker also is resigning his full-time job as a funeral director with Snyder Funeral Services, effective Sept. 16.

“The honor of serving so many wonderful families over the years has been extremely rewarding and some truly awesome friendships have come from doing so,” he said.

Brucker says he is ready for the new challenge.

“In working with the commissioners, current and newly elected, I look forward to serving our community and providing a fresh opportunity for positive changes on the county level.”

His first official day is Oct. 3. Brucker began as mayor Jan. 6, 2020, after serving on village council. He is a graduate of Mount Gilead High School and Bowling Green State University in 2011, where he received a business administration degree with a specialty in finance.

“While Mount Gilead will always be home to me, it’s time to help all of our villages work together as we grow together as a county,” Brucker said.