News

Ithaca City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff resigns

Ithaca City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff resigns

Mayor Robert Cantelmo speaking during the Dec. 3, 2025 meeting of the Ithaca Common Council. Photo: Saga Communications/City of Ithaca YouTube


ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Ithaca City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff is leaving.

The Common Council accepted her resignation last night, which takes effect on Dec. 31. Mayor Robert Cantelmo says she made a big impact in the city.

While no reason was given for Mohlenhoff’s resignation last night, the city says it came at the Common Council’s request. Mayor Cantelmo noted her commitment to the city.

Mohlenhoff was not in attendance for the Common Council meeting but said in a statement released by the city that her time as city manager was an ‘honor.’

“I have tendered my resignation in accordance with the Council’s decision. It has been my honor to serve as Ithaca’s first city manager and to work alongside the extraordinary City staff whose unwavering commitment to public service has meant more to me than I can express.” Mohlenhoff said. “While this departure was not at my initiative, I respect the Council’s authority to select a city manager whose approach more closely aligns with their goals.” 

After Ithacans voted to change the structure of city government, Mohlenhoff was selected as Ithaca’s first city manager in late 2023 and stepped into the role in Jan. 2024. Deputy City Manager Dominick Recckio will become the acting city manager on Jan. 1, 2026.

Recent Headlines

5 hours ago in Trending, World

Italian cooking and its rituals get UN designation as world heritage

Italian food is known and loved around the world for its fresh ingredients and palate-pleasing tastes. The U.N.'s cultural agency gave foodies on Wednesday another reason to celebrate their pizza, pasta and tiramisu by listing Italian cooking as part of the world's "intangible" cultural heritage.

12 hours ago in Sports

A’ja Wilson wins AP Female Athlete of the Year following historic 4th WNBA MVP

A'ja Wilson stood atop the WNBA again in 2025, winning an unprecedented fourth MVP as her Las Vegas Aces earned a third championship in four seasons. For that, she earned The Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year on Wednesday for the first time in her career.

13 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

Beyoncé, Venus Williams, Nicole Kidman and Anna Wintour will co-chair next Met Gala

The new Met Gala co-chairs have been announced, and it's a high-powered quartet: Beyoncé, Venus Williams and Nicole Kidman will join Vogue's Anna Wintour in hosting the star-packed event next May.