MEET ONE OF THE 2025 LEADERSHIP TRAILBLAZER: Sheryl Long

Today’s Trailblazer: Sheryl Long

The League caught up with Trailblazer Finalist, Sheryl Long, City Manager, Cincinnati, Ohio to talk about being named a Leadership Trailblazer and having a career in public service:

Q: What led you to a career in public service?

I was drawn to public service because I’ve always believed in the power of local government to create real, tangible change in people’s lives. Growing up in Cincinnati, I saw both the challenges and the opportunities our city faced. My grandmother instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to use my education and talents to give back. Public service allows me to turn that sense of responsibility into action—making decisions that improve neighborhoods, create opportunities, and change trajectories for residents and families.

Q: Who were your mentor(s) or advocate(s) in your career?

I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors and advocates along the way. Mayor Dan Brooks of North College Hill was the first to recognize my potential as a city administrator. Maureen Mason selected and supported me in my first city administrator role. Judge Terry Nestor saw something in me and encouraged me to pursue the City of Cincinnati opportunity by connecting me to then–City Manager Patrick Duhaney. Today, I continue to be supported by amazing peer women city managers and retired public servants who constantly are there checking on me and supporting me with time, words of encouragement, and at times just a simple text message to let me know I am being thought of. Each of them play a role in keeping me going and sane during the tough times and I am forever grateful.

Q: What is the most important lesson you learned while progressing throughout your career?

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that leadership isn’t about you—it’s about the people you serve and the teams you lead. Every decision I make has a ripple effect across neighborhoods, businesses, and families. Some decisions are celebrated, and others are more difficult, but each one must be grounded in integrity, data, and care for the human impact. I’ve also learned that resilience and consistency are essential. Even in moments of pressure or national attention, your steadiness as a leader sets the tone for your team and your community.

Q: What advice do you have for women just beginning their careers who would like to be an executive in local government someday?

My advice is to believe that you belong in every room you enter—even when it feels intimidating. Build relationships, find mentors, and be open to feedback, even when it’s hard to hear. Don’t be afraid to take the less glamorous assignments, because those often prepare you the most. And above all, remember that leadership is about service: stay rooted in why you want to do this work, and let that guide your decisions. Women bring empathy, innovation, and resilience to leadership—don’t dull those qualities; lean into them.

Q: What do you hope to leave as your legacy in local government when your career comes to an end?

I hope my legacy is that I was a leader who combined high energy and forward thinking with care and compassion. I want to be remembered as someone who always put residents first, created opportunities for others to thrive, and built a stronger bench of future leaders who will continue the work long after me. Most importantly, I want people to say that Cincinnati was better, more inclusive, and more vibrant because of the work we accomplished together—and that I led with joy, integrity, and a true love for public service.