Beachwood Appoints 2 New Officials, Police Chief

BEACHWOOD, OH - The city council appointed two new officials, including a new police chief, at Monday's meeting. The council also approved a new law director at the Dec. 5 meeting.

Gary Haba will serve as the city's new police chief. Current Chief Keith Winebrenner is planning to retire in February, at which point Haba will take over the role. Haba has been with the department for nearly two decades, serving as a patrol officer, sergeant, and lieutenant. He was promoted to captain in 2015.

Before joining the police department, Haba spent time in the US Army. He is also a graduate of the University of Akron Police Academy.

“I am truly honored by this appointment and excited about working in my new capacity with the outstanding employees that make up the Beachwood Police Department," Haba said. "Together we will continue striving for excellence and adjusting to the constant changes in our profession.”

The city council also confirmed the appointment of a new law director and finance director.

Larry Heiser will serve as finance director, replacing the retiring David Pfaff. Heiser previously served as the finance director for University Heights and the Village of Johnstown.

The city's interim law director, Hope Jones, was confirmed as the permanent, new law director. She has been serving as law director since May 2016. Prior to being appointed law director, Jones served assistant law director for Beachwood, a role she held starting in 2014.

She was also a prosecutor, assistant law director and deputy law director for the City of Cuyahoga Falls. She was with Cuyahoga Falls for 14 years.

“Hope has proved time and again she is a valuable asset to the City,” said Councilman James Pasch, who chairs council’s Legal and Personnel Committee. “We are confident she will dutifully serve the Beachwood community and we are glad to officially welcome her to the role of Law Director.”

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