Inspiring Conversations with Andrew Lanser

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Lanser.

Hi Andrew, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been drawn to a career in public service. I attribute this in part to my grandfather’s, both of whom I admire tremendously. Both served during the second world war and followed that time with careers in the fire service and post office respectively. Looking back I think they instilled in me a sense of duty and virtue that I still hold close today.

My own career began while working at the Hamilton County Public Defenders Office. I was employed there as a Court Specialist, and my primary responsibilities included assisting a team of staff attorneys and serving as the first contact between our clients and the Office. Looking back, my time with the Public Defenders Office was illuminating and a source of tremendous pride as well. In particular, I still take pride that I assisted even in some small way, the Office pursue its mission to defend the life and liberty of all citizens of our community regardless of income level. It was during this time I also wanted to take my career to the next level, so I enrolled and completed the MPA program at Northern Kentucky University.

My next destination was serving as the Program Development Director for a local non-profit that focused on shared-services and trainings for municipalities in southwest Ohio. The organization is named the Center for Local Government. In this role, I was tasked with managing the Center’s many existing program offerings in partnership with the Center’s Director. I was responsible for developing new program offerings for our members, some of which are still used today. I was employed for the Center for several years and gained a wealth of direct public administration experience and knowledge. In fact, I attribute where I am today directly from my time with the Center. There are few positions in the field of public administration that provide individuals with the opportunities to work hand-in-hand with city managers and administrators on the vital challenges municipalities face on daily basis.

Today, I am employed as the Assistant Village Administrator for the Village of Golf Manor, Ohio. I am responsible for managing the Village’s finances and public works operations in addition to several other tasks. I was drawn to Golf Manor for several reasons including a desire to work in a diverse community with forward looking leadership, as well as an opportunity to serve in a meaningful capacity for an inner-ring suburban community that faced real challenges. I have absolutely enjoyed my time with Golf Manor and believe that myself, along with the Village Administrator and our elected officials have made a tremendous positive impact for the residents of the Village in the areas of livability, infrastructure, and financial sustainability. As a team we are also engaged on a series of significant projects that are exciting and once implemented will be transformational for the Village.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it always been smooth? No. But my time with the Village has been rewarding. When I accepted the position with the Village of Golf Manor I was aware that the Village, like many inner-ring municipalities faced several challenges unique to them. For instance, today, many inner-ring municipalities have yet to recover from the financial crises of 2008, and Golf Manor is no exception. Village revenues, the lifeblood of the Village, have reduced somewhat dramatically since 2008. Yet demand for municipal services has increased at precisely the same time. What we were able to do was re-orient Village business processes, restructure staffing, and re-think our service offerings to the residents all with the goal of creating a more sustainable Village financially and a more livable community. Tough decisions had to be made, but I believe we have achieved this objective. Today, the Village is healthier financially than at any point since 2008 and is re-investing in itself and its residents.

As you know, we’re big fans of Village of Golf Manor, Ohio. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Village of Golf Manor was incorporated in 1947. It is centrally located in Hamilton County, nestled between I-71 and I-75 and only minutes from downtown Cincinnati. As such the ease of transportation makes the bedroom community a great option for young professionals and those with families. The Village is also known for being a progressive and diverse community. In fact, the Village of Golf Manor has recently passed a non-discrimination ordinance which expands civil rights protections to the LGBT community making it only the 28th jurisdiction in Ohio to offer an all-inclusive ordinance. The Village is also home to significant populations of African-Americans and Orthodox Jewish residents as well.

As for the municipality itself, the Village of Golf Manor provides an outstanding Police Department as well as public work’s operations. In addition to this, the Village is on track to complete over $2 million of road, street, and sidewalk improvements in an effort to achieve its goal to make a substantial reinvestment in its infrastructure. Finally, the Village has begun the process of creating its first strategic plan in some time, as well as initiated several strategies aimed at improving its economic development and residential housing opportunities. There is real and substantial momentum in the Village of Golf Manor, and its future is bright.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Despite working in the hustle and bustle of a first suburban community like Golf Manor, and loving my time here, I do enjoy the peacefulness and solitude of our scenic landscapes as much as possible. My family once owned a farm in rural Kentucky, and some of my fondest memories occurred there. I try to get into the woods, fields, and creeks as much as possible.

I also cherish the time spent with my three children and dreamed about connecting with them through shared interests. Fortunately, my children and I share an interest in sports, which has given me the opportunity to be “Dad-Coach” for them. Whether it is baseball, softball, soccer, or football I cannot think of anything more satisfying or enjoyable than spending time with them on the field.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@golfmanoroh.gov
• Website: https://www.golfmanoroh.gov/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/golfmanoroh/