Summit County Democrats appointed Ilene Shapiro as the new county executive Thursday and tapped her to run for the post this fall.
Shapiro, who previously was County Council president, had been serving as interim county executive since Russ Pry died last week after complications from colon cancer.
“As we move forward, I will work hard to build on Russ’ legacy of successful collaboration, community partnerships and goodwill in government,” she said after the Democratic Party’s Central Committee made the appointment during a special meeting at North High School in Akron.
The party was required to appoint someone to fill the remainder of Pry’s current term, which ends Dec. 31, and to replace him on the November ballot.
Shapiro, 69, of Akron was unopposed and her appointment was expected. She is the first female county executive in the county’s history.
She will now face Republican Bill Roemer, 58, of Richfield in the general election.
Shapiro was nominated for the position by friend Denise Woods and Leonard Foster, who serves as the county’s human resources director.
“In times of change, loss and sadness, we reach for someone to steady us,” Woods said.
Shapiro has served as that “strong, steady friend,” she said, noting Shapiro’s 10 years serving on the council and her relationship with Pry.
At the outset of the meeting, party Chairman Jeff Fusco also asked for a moment of silence to honor Pry.
“Both the party and the county are in much, much better shape because of him,” Fusco said.
Now that Shapiro has moved to the county executive’s office, Democrats must appoint a successor to her at-large council seat.
The party will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday again at North High School to choose her replacement, who will have to run in November to complete the two years remaining on her term.
Republicans also will have to select a candidate.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter at @armonrickABJ.