MAUMEE – After more than two decades of leadership with the village of Whitehouse, Josh Hartbarger is ready for the next chapter – as city administrator and public safety director for the City of Maumee.
“Mr. Hartbarger has extensive experience in public safety, leadership and public administration, and will be an asset to the city of Maumee,” Maumee Mayor Chelsea Ziss stated in her May 1 letter of recommendation to City Council, which approved Hartbarger’s hiring during its May 4 meeting.
In that role, Hartbarger will supervise the chief building official, fire chief and police chief, oversee the director of public services and director of finance, and report to the mayor and council. His annual pay is set at $147,385.56.
Hartbarger grew up in the Whitehouse community, but he also spent plenty of time in Maumee, where his mom ran a day care facility on River Road.
“I fondly remember going to Penguin Palace on hot summer days. Some of my best childhood memories were in the great city of Maumee,” Hartbarger said.
In addition, his first full-time job was with his father’s distributorship business in Arrowhead Park.
“Maumee has wonderful and diverse residential and commercial areas, all while maintaining the small town charm. I’ve always been drawn to this community and see a great future ahead for Maumee,” he said, noting that he feels grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of its growth.
An Anthony Wayne High School Class of 2000 graduate, Hartbarger was named to the Anthony Wayne Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 2024. After graduation, he earned an associate degree in government and political science from Owens Community College, a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from Bowling Green State University, and a master’s degree in public health from Ohio University.
While working on his associate’s degree, Hartbarger joined the Whitehouse Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter, eventually becoming a paramedic and certified trainer. In 2006, he served at the McMurdo Station in Antarctica as a fire lieutenant, returning to Whitehouse to become the department’s fire inspector, then deputy chief and finally, fire chief.
During his tenure as fire chief, Hartbarger collaborated with Waterville Fire Chief Doug Meyer to create a unique solution to problems both departments were facing, including funding and staffing. The results was the W-3 Co-op to pool resources while serving the residents of Waterville, Waterville Township and Whitehouse. The co-op earned Hartbarger and Meyer the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association Foundation Award in 2022.
“The lasting effects it will have and seeing Whitehouse Chief Jason Francis and Chief Meyer carry the torch and make it better has been fulfilling,” he said of the co-op.
In 2023 he was named chief operating officer for the village – a newly created position during an administrative restructuring. In that role, he oversees the operations and activities of all the departments, handles municipal matters for the village at large, and represents the village with businesses and civic organizations. With IT and cybersecurity knowledge, Hartbarger ensures the village’s network safety. And, working with the mayor and administrator, he collaborates on multiple projects, including economic development.
“I’m leaving a great position but know the next person will make it theirs and take it further. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served the residents of Whitehouse. I will miss the employee and leadership team of Whitehouse, but I am ready for the next chapter with Maumee,” he said.
While Maumee is triple the size of Whitehouse, Hartbarger said the residents all share one commonality – an expectation for excellent services. He plans to approach his new role with the same calm and steady manner that he has with the village, relying on top-notch directors and employees to solve challenges creatively as a team.
His first priority as he enters his new office is to listen.
“It’s imperative for administrators to listen to residents, businesses and employees. Especially for the new guy coming in, I don’t know what I don’t know, and the only way to solve this is making the time to listen and learn,” Hartbarger said. “In this process, I’ve met some amazingly talented directors. They need to be supported and empowered to do the job they love to do. And, I’ll be working with and supporting the goals and objectives of the mayor and council.”
Maumee is in a unique position for growth, Hartbarger said, with a phenomenal business park and areas that other communities probably envy.
“Positioning Maumee to be ready for responsible and right economic growth is an amazing opportunity,” he said.
Throughout the years, Hartbarger has developed relationships with leaders in other communities, and he sees opportunities for collaboration with neighbors, the county and the state.
“These relationships lead to opportunities that wouldn’t be available without collaboration and communication,” he said, noting that his focus will also be on expanding and retaining existing businesses. “Being visible and engaging in the current business community can assist in that. Sometimes just being present for a conversation can spark ideas and connections that present opportunities.”
After Dr. Patrick Burtch‘s retirement from the position in August 2025, the city formed a committee that includes administration, council members and citizens. Hartbarger was among 38 applicants for the position. Over the past few months, he’s interviewed multiple times with the committee.
He will be joined by another new hire in Maumee: new Urban Planning Manager Dana Reising, who brings decades of experience from the City of Toledo in sustainable development, zoning and community planning. She will be responsible for planning and zoning services with a heavy focus on economic and community development.
As he prepares to take the helm on June 1, Hartbarger will turn in his notice to Whitehouse Village Council.
“I’m leaving a great position, but I know the next person will make it theirs and take it further,” he said.
Hartbarger is married to Nikki, and together they are raising two daughters: Valerie and Josie.
