Dayton, Ohio – The City of Dayton has announced a leadership transition in one of its most vital departments. Keshia L. Kinney has been appointed acting director of the Department of Water, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience in water treatment, environmental health, and utility operations.
City Manager Shelley Dickstein shared the announcement and expressed full confidence in Kinney’s leadership. “Keshia Kinney has demonstrated outstanding leadership, technical knowledge, and a deep commitment to public health and environmental stewardship throughout her career,” Dickstein stated. “We are confident in her ability to lead the Department of Water during this important transition.”
Kinney officially began her new duties on Monday, May 12, 2025, and she is set to assume the director role permanently in July, succeeding Mike Powell.
Her extensive career with the City of Dayton, which began in 2005, includes a variety of advancing roles within the Division of Water Supply & Treatment. Most recently, she served as division manager, where she was responsible for overseeing compliance with Ohio EPA regulations, managing a $34 million annual budget, and directing a workforce of more than 120 employees.
Among her critical responsibilities, Kinney managed two lime-softening water treatment plants, each with a capacity of 96 million gallons per day, a 150-ton lime reclamation facility, and two well fields with over 300 production and monitoring wells. Her oversight also extended to the city’s central water quality laboratory and coordination of emergency response efforts.
Kinney’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health Sciences and a Master of Science in Pharmacology and Toxicology, both earned from Wright State University. She further distinguished herself in 2020 by attaining the Ohio EPA Class IV Water Supply and Treatment certification, one of the most advanced credentials in the industry.
As Kinney takes on this new leadership role, Dayton officials anticipate a smooth transition that will continue the department’s longstanding focus on reliability, safety, and environmental responsibility. Her appointment signals not only continuity but also an emphasis on technical excellence and innovation in managing the city’s water resources.
