Carmel Mayor-elect Sue Finkam has announced that Jim Crider will serve as chief of staff in the mayor’s office starting Jan. 1, the same day Finkam takes office.

Crider has served as director of administration for the City of Carmel since 2017.

“We are fortunate to have some incredible talent already serving the citizens of Carmel, and no one is more qualified to lead on Day 1 than Jim Crider,” Finkam said. “Jim is a servant leader and understands our vision and priorities to ensure world-class public safety, increased transparency and effective and efficient delivery of government services so that Carmel will remain the best place to live, work, raise a family and retire in the country.”

Crider began working for the city following his retirement from the U.S. Army at the rank of colonel following 29 years of active-duty service. He has a master’s degree in human resource management from Troy University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Kentucky. He is also a graduate of the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, N.C.

“I have been fortunate to serve the citizens of Carmel during a period where we have taken some truly unique and innovative steps,” Crider said. “There is more work to be done and we have tremendous opportunities ahead. I am humbled to be asked to take a bigger leadership role and to help execute Mayor-elect Finkam’s vision for our city that builds upon our past successes and never takes for granted the responsibility we have to better serve our fellow citizens.”

The chief of staff role is a new position for the city.

Carmel residents interested in being considered for professional opportunities or appointment to boards and commissions are encouraged to apply at elevatecarmel.com.