GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE – Alex Iarocci has reason to be both proud and excited.
He can feel pride because of his accomplishments the past several years at the Ashtabula County Land Bank and excitement because of his new position as village administrator for Geneva-on-the-Lake.
According to the minutes of the Dec. 8 GOTL Village Council meeting, council passed an ordinance approving the hire and appointment of Iarocci as village administrator for the Village of Geneva-on-the-Lake for a term of two years beginning Dec. 15, 2025, and ending Dec. 14, 2027.
When asked for comment, Iarocci said he enjoyed his former job as executive director at the Land Bank.
“I’ve loved my time here and proud of the work we’ve accomplished since I started in April 2022,” he said.
Iarocci said he was proud of how the Land Bank was able to expand into getting into opportunities for redevelopment and create more housing, such as the project at Wenner Field in Ashtabula. The property was subdivided into individual lots for construction of new single-family homes.
The project was just one of Iarocci’s many successes.
Ashtabula County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski noted all that Iarocci had done at the Land Bank.
“I’ve truly appreciated Alex’s work with the Ashtabula County Land Bank,” Kozlowski said. “During his tenure, we’ve made significant progress, from the Hayward Home project in Conneaut with NOPEC, to the Welcome Home grant building new homes in the City of Ashtabula, to new owner-occupied homes on the former Wenner Field site, and much more. He will be missed, but I’m excited for him as he moves on to his new opportunity with GOTL.”
Explaining his interest in the GOTL position, Iarocci said local government administration has always interested him. Land use issues and land use planning is also appealing to Iarocci, who has a Master’s Degree in urban planning and development.
A talk with GOTL Mayor Dwayne M. Bennett, Sr. convinced him the job was the right next step.
“It all came down to my interview with Mayor Bennett,” Iarocci said. “It was a good conversation, and I think there’s many exciting things going on here in the village.”
Iarocci said he seeks to get brought up to speed as quickly as possible and make sure current projects remain on track in the village.
He said he will work with the mayor and council to keep the projects on schedule.
He will bring all his knowledge to his job as GOTL Village Administrator. Since taking the position, he has been learning the full scope of his responsibilities.
Iarocci said he looks forward to delivering all the services to residents and business owners as well as looking at economic development opportunities, too.
Iarocci recognizes the unique role GOTL plays in the county.
“I think GOTL has always been a special place,” he said. “It’s a special place for Ashtabula County. It has a rich history as well being the tourism engine in Ashtabula County.”
