OGDEN — The Ogden City Council appointed Glenn Symes as its new Executive Director on Tuesday, December 9, following an extensive selection process conducted by the Council Executive Director Selection Committee.
The committee, consisting of mostly citizens, forwarded top candidates from a pool of nearly 50 applicants to the Council for final consideration. The appointment will be effective on January 3, 2026.
Symes has served the Council for 15 years as a Policy Analyst, Senior Policy Analyst, Deputy Director, and most recently as the Assistant Executive Director.
"Thank you for the opportunity to continue to serve the Council and to be part of this amazing city,” he said in the meeting. “I am humbled by your faith and trust in me, and I am committed to working as hard as I can to help this Council and this City be as successful as possible."
A certified planner with a wide variety of local government certifications and trainings, Symes has been involved in local government for over 20 years. In his time in the Council office, he has learned the intricacies of Ogden's budget and processes, preparing him to now take the role of Executive Director.
Council Chair Marcia White expressed her support of the appointment and confidence in Symes to help the Council prepare for upcoming projects and issues.
"Glenn is the perfect pick for our next Executive Director," she said. "His exceptional planning expertise and proven track record in public policy have already greatly benefited the Council for years. Moving forward, his collaborative leadership style and desire to work closely with the mayor and his administration will help the Council continue to build on the progress we have made and deliver meaningful results for Ogden and its residents.”
Symes will replace Janene Eller-Smith, who is retiring after 30 years of service to Ogden City, including 16 years in the City Council office.
The Ogden City Council looks forward to working more with Mr. Symes in this new chapter of both his career and the Council's history.
Council Staff Contact: Janene Eller-Smith, janeneeller-smith@ogdencity.com, 801-629-8165