Introducing Mayor Conley

Diane Conley started her first term as Mayor at the Jan. 4 Westerville City Council meeting with a knowing and kind acknowledgement. “I think for the first six months of my term, I’ll be saying, ‘No, I’m not Mayor (Kathy) Cocuzzi,’” she said. The reference to her eight-year term predecessor was simply another way of Mayor Conley being her authentic self, aware she is picking up on a busy role. Along with Vice Mayor Kenneth Wright, Mayor Conley will perform ceremonial duties for the City of Westerville, like special events, meetings, groundbreakings and dedications. The Mayor may also perform weddings. In any of these roles, Mayor Conley says she is “honored” to serve.

Tell us your Westerville story. How long have you lived here and what attracted you to public service?

I have lived in Westerville for seven years but had a long career in Westerville City Schools. We moved here after I retired; I realized that Westerville was “home” for me and wanted to be a part of the community as a citizen. My leadership philosophy is to be a servant-leader, so I have always enjoyed public service. I wanted to give back to this community, so one of the first ways I found to help make a difference in Westerville was service on the Parks Foundation Board.

How did a career in education prepare you to be a Council Member? And now, Mayor?

As a 40-plus year educator, I have learned to really listen to people and not just react to what I think they need. Whether it is a 7-year-old first-grader, a teacher on staff, a college student or a constituent, people want to be heard, respected and valued. I believe the book, “All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten” by Robert Fulghum says it all! Among the pieces of advice are: “share everything, play fair, don’t take things that aren’t yours and live a balanced life.”

What are you most looking forward to in your role as Mayor?

I am looking forward to meeting more people. I want to meet more team members from the city staff; they are the heart and soul of the success of our city. I am eager to be able to attend events and meet citizens and city business leaders. I know my most favorite role will be to tell others how wonderful Westerville is!

How do you describe Westerville to the people you meet as Mayor? Where do I begin?

I start by talking about how welcoming Westerville is. It is amazing how many of our citizens are willing to volunteer within Westerville. I talk about it being a City within a Park (then go on to tell them about our outstanding Parks and Recreation offerings). I mention Uptown Westerville and the many small businesses and restaurants. I also talk about the economic growth of Westerville, highlighting Westar and the redevelopment we are seeing in the southern end of the city. I mention our outstanding city services. As you can tell, I can talk about Westerville all day long!

What “personal touch” do you plan to have on the role?

I will remain true to myself. I am an outgoing, positive person and truly love Westerville, and I hope this comes through in all I say and do.

What is something you’d like Westerville residents to know about you, Mayor?

I am a lifelong learner; I plan to learn as much as I can during my term as Mayor. I also love to be around others. If you see me around town, please stop by and talk to me.

We hear you love to travel. What’s on your travel itinerary for Council breaks in 2022?

My husband and I love to travel and to explore new sights. For this coming year, depending upon COVID, we plan to go to the Rotary International Convention in Houston, and then I am going to New York City with friends (to see Hugh Jackman in The Music Man). I have a niece who lives in Hawaii who just became engaged, depending when the wedding takes place that might also be on our agenda.

Tell us about your family and support network. How will they be involved in your term?

I am truly blessed with family and friends. My husband John and I have been married 46 years. We have an adult son, John who works for JP Morgan Chase in Westerville. My brother and sister both live within 15 miles of me, so we see each other often. I also have many close friends from my years as a teacher, principal and district administrator. Another “family,” is my Westerville Sunrise Rotary family. These are the kindest and most giving people you will find. As for being involved in my term – these family members and friends are always willing to help out if asked and to give me pieces of advice when needed. I would not be the person I am without them. They keep me honest to myself!

Thank you KATHY COCUZZI

In her last City Council meeting as Mayor of Westerville, Kathy Cocuzzi received the Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) award for being a Kindness Hero.