Richmond Heights' Assistant City Manager Named Brentwood's New City Administrator

Bola Akande, the current assistant city manager for the City of Richmond Heights, was named the City of Brentwood's city administrator during its Board of Aldermen meeting on Monday night. She will start on August 1.

“This move has always been a career goal of mine,” Akande said. “Being second in command is great. Being the one at the top is better.”

Akande, a Nigerian-born, naturalized US citizen, has worked in the public sector for 19 years, six of those in Richmond Heights. Prior to coming to Richmond Heights, Akande worked in municipal government for Oklahoma City; Flower Mound, Texas; and Woodlands Community Service Corporation, a township in Houston, Texas.

While she’ll miss the friends she’s made during her time at Richmond Heights Akande said she’s excited by the different projects she’ll be working on at Brentwood.

“It’s been wonderful here. The council and staff have been great. The community has been very warm and receiving,” Akande said. “I’ve been geographically mobile and when you come to a new city you leave everything behind, not knowing what you’re going to find at the new place. The folks here have been so warm and like a family.”

Akande’s proud of the accomplishments she’s had while working for the City of Richmond Heights. She cited the city’s sustainability initiative, the Great Streets Project and increasing communication between residents and the elected officials and staff.

“There are still so many more projects to do but I think the next person will have fun doing them,” Akande said. “I’ve clearly had more fun than I deserve. I come to work everyday looking forward to the possibilities and have never been disappointed.”