Alabama - Janet Hadar has been named Chief Operating Officer for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Health System. Hadar brings more than 20 years of healthcare experience, most recently serving as president and CEO of University of North Carolina Hospitals. As COO, Hadar will help shape strategy and oversee operations for UAB Health System–managed hospitals across Alabama. 

Illinois - Shelly Cramer has been selected as Chief Information Officer for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Before joining the State of Illinois, Cramer served 23 years as Technology Director for an Adams County school district. As CIO, she will oversee the department’s Information Technology team, ensuring staff have the tools to serve Illinois residents and professionals seeking licensure across the state. 

Colorado - Jon Peacock has accepted the position of town manager for Winter Park. He joins the town from Pitkin County, where he has served as county manager since 2011. With more than 25 years of executive leadership in local government, Peacock brings extensive experience in resort and mountain communities, strategic planning, capital project delivery and community engagement.

Virginia - Ashley Jacobs has been promoted to Human Resources Director for Orange County. She previously served as Management Analyst for the county, where she played a key role in implementing program-based budgeting and revising departmental performance measures. With prior experience overseeing human resources as Town Manager of Grottoes, Jacobs hopes to continue strengthening Orange County’s ability to serve residents with excellence.

Oklahoma - Melissa Miller has been appointed state medicaid director and deputy chief of staff for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA). Most recently, Miller served as chief of policy and provider regulation at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. At OHCA, she will oversee administration and strategy for SoonerCare, guiding policy implementation, managing program performance and working with partners to improve the health outcomes.

Oregon - Alex Pettit has been selected Digital Transformation Projects Director for the State of Oregon. He most recently served six years as Chief Technology Officer for the Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology, where he guided emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain. In Oregon, Pettit will focus on refining governance models and optimizing how new technology solutions align with fiscal priorities. 

Ohio - Chris Fine has been appointed city manager for the City of Miamisburg, effective Jan. 1. Fine has more than two decades of public service experience, including as development director for the city. He has expressed excitement to lead the organization and continue efforts to make Miamisburg one of the finest cities in the Dayton area.

Virginia - Kaj Dentler will retire next fall from his position as town manager for Leesburg. He has served Leesburg for 30 years, including 11 as town manager. Under Dentler’s leadership, the town achieved a triple-A credit rating from all three agencies for the first time and completed the six-year annexation of Compass Creek, bringing 400 acres into the corporate limits. His retirement will be effective October 2026. The town council will work with human resources to conduct a nationwide search for his successor.