Piqua City Commission named Rick Byron interim city manager, effective May 1, 2026, at its meeting this week.

The Commission voted on Tuesday, April 7 to fill the vacancy as City Manager Paul Oberdorfer retires on April 30, 2026. Byron will serve in the role until a permanent city manager is seated. 

Byron has served as chief of the Piqua Police Department since 2019 and safety services director for the City of Piqua since 2024. He has worked for the Piqua Police Department since 1999, previously serving as patrolman, school resource officer, detective and lieutenant/watch commander. 

He was also the Crisis Negotiation Team commander and a member of the Tactical Response Team. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and the Certified Law Enforcement Executive program through the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police.

“Chief Byron has been a steadfast leader in the City and is currently overseeing the police department and the fire department,” Vice Mayor Frank DeBrosse said. “His leadership and his steady hand would serve us well through this process.”

Byron said his goals through the transition are to support department directors in continuing the City’s operations without disruption to service and to provide clear communication to City Commissioners and residents.

“I appreciate the City Commissioners placing their trust and confidence in me,” Byron said. “I look forward to working with them, the directors and community to keep the City moving forward until a permanent city manager is selected.” 

Byron will name an acting police chief to manage the day-to-day operations effective May 1, 2026, to fill the vacancy while serving as interim city manager. He will continue his responsibilities as safety services director while fulfilling the interim city manager role.

City Commission will begin a search for Piqua’s permanent city manager later this month.