Covington taps OKI planner as new Assistant City Manager

The City of Covington has hired Larisa Sims, who served most recently as the Regional Planning Manager for the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana (OKI) Regional Council of Governments, to fill its Assistant City Manager position. The position has been vacant since Larry Klein was promoted to City Manager in July 2009.

While at OKI, Sims worked as a senior planner on comprehensive planning efforts and implementation strategies for OKI's Strategic Regional Policy Plan.  During that time, Sims also managed and directed planning, preparation and implementation of regional planning project policies related to land use, greenspace, water quality and transportation.

Sims has six years of planning experience in Northern Kentucky with the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission (NKAPC) and worked on projects that included the Madison Pike Corridor Land Use and Economic Development Study for the City of Fort Wright.  Her focus and relevant experience has the former Covington Assistant City Manager excited about his replacement.

"Ms. Sims has a strong planning background in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, and with management experience in those roles," said Klein.

"Mayor Bowman and the City Commissioners have expressed a desire to obtain a professional planner for Covington.  I agree whole-heartedly.  Covington will benefit greatly now and in the future from long-term planning at the highest levels of City management."

Sims' Northern Kentucky connections also include membership with the Kenton Conservancy, researching conservation easements, land trusts, and policies related to donated land.  She currently resides in Cold Springs.

"It is an honor to be selected to serve the citizens of Covington," said Sims.  "I am excited to work alongside Mr. Klein, city staff, Mayor Bowman and the Commissioners to implement the vision for the City.  Exciting things are happening, and I look forward to being a part of them."

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
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