Jason Via 

Jason Via (above left) is an experienced municipal executive with more than 25 years of public-sector leadership and a record of leading through complex challenges, aligning teams around shared priorities and delivering measurable results. 

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   He currently serves as acting city manager and deputy director of public safety and operations for the City of Springfield, Ohio, where he provides collaborative executive leadership across the organization and community by bringing people together, guiding difficult decisions, strengthening organizational performance, building trusted partnerships and ensuring strategic priorities translate into results.

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   Via’s philosophy is that thriving communities are built intentionally, through exceptional core services, strong infrastructure, public safety, responsible planning and an organization positioned to act when opportunities emerge. 

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   As a lifelong Miami County resident, Via’s connection to the region extends beyond his professional career. He serves as board president of Housing Opportunities for People (HOP), a nonprofit organization providing and managing community-based housing for individuals with developmental disabilities. He is also a graduate of the 2023 Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership.  

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   Via holds a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Science in Management and Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Western Governors University. He is an active member of the Ohio City/County Management Association (OCMA) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

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   Via states, “I am honored to be selected as a finalist for Piqua’s next city manager. As a lifelong Miami County resident, I’ve enjoyed watching and experiencing Piqua evolve over the years through the reimagined public spaces and revitalization of downtown. Piqua’s greatest strengths are its character and history. As city manager, I will work collaboratively to honor that legacy while helping ensure Piqua remains a place where people choose to put down roots, build a future and enjoy all it has to offer.”

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Dan Wendt

   Dan Wendt (above right) has more than a decade of experience as a local government executive serving full‑service municipalities as a city manager, assistant city manager and director of public safety and service. 

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   He currently serves as assistant city manager for the City of West Carrollton, where he oversees economic development, real estate, human resources, labor relations, communications, grant management and major strategic initiatives, including the City’s $100 million River District Redevelopment. Wendt previously served as city manager of Vandalia, leading a 400‑employee organization with a $60 million annual budget, managing police, fire, finance, public works, utilities, parks and recreation, and other essential municipal services.

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   A returned Peace Corps Volunteer and ICMA Credentialed Manager, Wendt is a Certified Labor Relations Professional and Leadership Ohio alumnus. He is a former Dayton Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree and Vandalia‑Butler Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year. He is the past president of the Ohio City/County Management Association and a recipient of the Association’s Distinguished Early Career Award. 

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   Wendt holds a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and a Master of Public Administration from Bowling Green State University, where he was a Peace Corps Coverdell Fellow and received the Distinguished Alumnus and Academic Achievement awards. 

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, coaching youth sports, hunting, and fishing. He is also a finisher of the Air Force Marathon.

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   Wendt states, “I am honored to be considered for the opportunity to serve the City of Piqua. Piqua is a community with a strong identity, tremendous potential and an exciting future. I’m impressed by the Commission’s commitment to thoughtful growth, while preserving what makes the community special. I’m looking forward to meeting residents, listening to their perspectives and learning more about what they want Piqua to become.”

 

The Process & What's Next

   The City of Piqua Human Resources Department led the recruitment process, accepting applications from April 27 to June 1. City Commission reviewed applications and interviewed candidates through the end of July.
 

   The next phase of the selection process will involve interviews with City Commission, business leaders and City leadership staff, as well as a public meet-and-greet with the finalists. The preferred candidate will also be subject to an extensive background check.  

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   The public is invited to meet the candidates in an open-house setting from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 28 at the Fort Piqua Plaza Banquet Center, 308 N. Main St.

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   The city manager serves as Piqua’s chief executive officer, appointed by and reporting to the five-member City Commission. The role oversees all administrative functions across City departments, including Community Services, Economic Development, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, Law, Parks & Recreation, Police, Power System, Public Works and Utilities.

Rick Byron has been serving as the interim city manager since May 1, 2026, following the retirement of Paul Oberdorfer.

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   City Commission hopes to name its next city manager in September with a start date in fall 2026.