Chapter 7 – Career Options in Local Government Management
7.2 Levin Graduates Lead: Jeri E. Chaikin (Chief Administrative Officer)
Jeri Chaikin, a CSU alum, serves as the chief administrative officer (CAO) for the City of Shaker Heights, Ohio—a role she has held since 2001. As CAO, Jeri works closely with the mayor and city council on strategic initiatives, budgeting, and administrative operations.
She oversees the daily management of 13 city departments, reviews operating and capital budgets, and approves key personnel decisions, expenditures, and facility use. Additionally, in her role as clerk of council, she ensures smooth legislative processes by managing agendas and materials for council and committee meetings.
Jeri’s career in public service spans decades, including her tenure as director of the Euclid Corridor Project at the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority from 1999 to 2001. Prior to that, she served as county administrator for Cuyahoga County for 19 years, leading administrative operations.
Jeri holds both a Bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Cleveland State University. Her remarkable career reflects her dedication to effective governance.
Chief Administrative Officers
A chief administrative officer (CAO) for a city is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the municipal government. The CAO typically works closely with the mayor and city council to implement policies, manage budgets, and ensure the efficient delivery of city services. Their responsibilities often include:
- Supervising city departments and ensuring they meet operational and service goals.
- Preparing and managing the city’s operating and capital budgets.
- Approving expenditures, hiring personnel, and overseeing resource allocation.
- Advising elected officials on strategic and administrative matters.
- Facilitating communication and collaboration between the mayor, city council, and departments.
- Serving as a point of accountability for the city’s operations and strategic initiatives.
The CAO acts as the city’s chief operating officer to make sure that the local government functions effectively and that public resources are managed responsibly. Depending on the city’s structure, the role may vary slightly in scope and authority.
