Mayfield Village says goodbye to longtime Finance Director Ron Wynne

Mayfield Village Council at its May 20 meeting said goodbye to Finance Director Ron Wynne who decided to leave the village to retire with his family.

Starting in 2009, Ron Wynne saw the village through some troubling times. Most notably when Progressive Insurance decided to leave the village, taking their workers and taxes with them. The hit that the village had to take didn’t pack as much of a punch as it could have, due to Wynne’s planning as he positioned the city to still have a surplus of over $40 million, cushioning the blow.

Mayor Brenda Bodnar said she was sad to see Wynne leave but was happy he would be able to spend more time with his family. She hopes he comes to visit but understands if he’s a little busy.

“Ron, I can honestly say that you have done more for us in 15 years than some do in a lifetime,” Bodnar said during the village council meeting. “I cannot tell you how much you will be missed, but I can assure you that your legacy of sound training and transparent financial management will live on here in the village.

“On a personal level Ron, I can always count on you for straightforward information, clear direction, complete candor, and a wicked sense of humor,” she added. “You are an invaluable friend, and we will all miss you greatly. And while we want you and (wife) Debbie to have an absolute blast in retirement, we hope that you keep in touch.”

Wynne himself said he was happy to be able to play golf and travel a bit. He said that although he doesn’t live in the village, he will definitely stay in touch with his lifelong friends.

“I look forward to retirement and traveling with my family,” Wynne said after the council meeting. “I’ve seen a lot of changes and a lot of positive growth, and I wish the village all the success in going forward.

“I’ve made friends here that are going to be friends way beyond my years here,” he added. “I think they’ve had great leadership in the time that I’ve been here, they have been visionaries in what they want in terms of growing the village and if they keep that up the village will be a great place going forward.”

Mayfield Village has appointed Angie Rich as his replacement, who was sworn in last month.