VILLAGE MANAGER

Village Manager

Johnnie Burns

Johnnie Burns joined the Village of Yellow Springs in January 2014 as Electric / Water Superintendent. He was promoted to Public Works Director in May 2018 and currently serves as both Public Works Director and Village Manager. He was appointed Interim Village Manager in August 2023 and named Village Manager in February 2024.

Prior to his service with the Village, Burns served in the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, he began his career as a residential electrician and advanced into commercial and industrial work. He built extensive experience in the utility field, including roles as a lineman, equipment operator, utility superintendent, and project manager. He is a graduate of the Greene County Career Center, where he studied welding.

Burns has received multiple professional honors, including the 7 Hats Award from American Municipal Power in 2016 and the Larry Hobart 7 Hats Award from the American Public Power Association in 2017. In 2019, he received the Operators Meritorious Service Award in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in providing a high-quality water supply and his dedication to leadership in the water industry.

Burns values the variety his role offers, from administrative responsibilities to addressing infrastructure needs, and enjoys working to identify practical solutions that support the Village’s continued progress. He is committed to building on the Village’s strong foundation and ensuring it remains well-positioned for future generations.

Johnnie Burns joined the Village of Yellow Springs in January 2014 as Electric / Water Superintendent. He was promoted to Public Works Director in May 2018 and currently serves as both Public Works Director and Village Manager. He was appointed Interim Village Manager in August 2023 and named Village Manager in February 2024.

Prior to his service with the Village, Burns served in the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, he began his career as a residential electrician and advanced into commercial and industrial work. He built extensive experience in the utility field, including roles as a lineman, equipment operator, utility superintendent, and project manager. He is a graduate of the Greene County Career Center, where he studied welding.

Burns has received multiple professional honors, including the 7 Hats Award from American Municipal Power in 2016 and the Larry Hobart 7 Hats Award from the American Public Power Association in 2017. In 2019, he received the Operators Meritorious Service Award in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in providing a high-quality water supply and his dedication to leadership in the water industry.

Burns values the variety his role offers, from administrative responsibilities to addressing infrastructure needs, and enjoys working to identify practical solutions that support the Village’s continued progress. He is committed to building on the Village’s strong foundation and ensuring it remains well-positioned for future generations.

The Village Manager is the chief administrative officer for the Village of Yellow Springs, overseeing the day-to-day operations of Village government. The Manager is appointed by Village Council.

The Village Manager is responsible for implementing Council-adopted policies, overseeing Village departments, and ensuring that local laws and ordinances are carried out effectively. The role includes hiring and supervising staff, managing Village operations, and keeping Council informed on financial conditions, organizational needs, and long-term priorities. The Manager also recommends policy initiatives and operational improvements, and attends Council meetings as a non-voting participant to support informed decision-making.

The Village Manager serves as a key link between Council, staff, and the community, helping ensure that Village services are delivered efficiently and that policies are enacted transparently and in alignment with community goals.
   

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Village Organizational Chart

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VILLAGE MANAGER'S OFFICE

Assistant Village Manager

Elyse Giardullo

Elyse Giardullo has served as Assistant Village Manager for the Village of Yellow Springs since September 2025, after joining the Village in July 2024 as Project Lead. In her role, she supports the Village Manager in overseeing day-to-day operations and works across all departments to advance organizational priorities and initiatives.

Elyse holds a Master of Public Administration from Wright State University and brings a diverse professional background spanning both public and private sectors. She has international government experience in New Zealand, including roles with the New Zealand Department of Education and the New Zealand Transport Agency. In the private sector, she worked in market research and media insights, building a strong foundation in research and data analysis.

She most enjoys the opportunity to work across departments and help turn ideas into action, and values the ability to serve the community she grew up in.

Elyse Giardullo has served as Assistant Village Manager for the Village of Yellow Springs since September 2025, after joining the Village in July 2024 as Project Lead. In her role, she supports the Village Manager in overseeing day-to-day operations and works across all departments to advance organizational priorities and initiatives.

Elyse holds a Master of Public Administration from Wright State University and brings a diverse professional background spanning both public and private sectors. She has international government experience in New Zealand, including roles with the New Zealand Department of Education and the New Zealand Transport Agency. In the private sector, she worked in market research and media insights, building a strong foundation in research and data analysis.

She most enjoys the opportunity to work across departments and help turn ideas into action, and values the ability to serve the community she grew up in.

Village Solicitor

Amy Blankenship

Amy Blankenship has served as the Village Solicitor since 2022. She is an attorney with the law firm of Bricker Graydon Wyatt and has nearly 20 years of experience representing municipalities throughout Ohio. Her areas of practice include land use and zoning, annexation, and eminent domain, and she provides legal guidance and support on a wide range of municipal matters.

Amy Blankenship has served as the Village Solicitor since 2022. She is an attorney with the law firm of Bricker Graydon Wyatt and has nearly 20 years of experience representing municipalities throughout Ohio. Her areas of practice include land use and zoning, annexation, and eminent domain, and she provides legal guidance and support on a wide range of municipal matters.