Civil Service
Meet the Administrator
Jennifer J. Lewis, PHR, IPMA-CP
Ms. Lewis was originally appointed to the Civil Service Administrator position on August 22, 2001 through the joint effort of Mayor George McKelvey and the Civil Service Commission. She has served continuously since that time. She is responsible for the overall operation and management of the Civil Service Department for the City of Youngstown.
Ms. Lewis earned her Master’s of Science in Human Resource Management in December 2000 from Troy State University. Also, she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Applied Science Degree in June 1995 from Youngstown State University. In December 2004, Ms. Lewis successfully completed the Issues and Perspectives for Human Resource Management certificate program at John Carroll University.
In January of 2005, Ms. Lewis completed the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Learning System and became a Certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) by the Human Resource Certification Institute.
In July of 2007, Ms. Lewis completed the HR Generalist Certificate Program by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).
In November of 2007, Ms. Lewis fulfilled all of the criteria to receive the designation as an International Public Management Association for Human Resources Certified Professional (IPMA-CP).
Ms. Lewis also serves as the City of Youngstown's Representative to the Mahoning County Children and Family First Council Executive Committee.
She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management(SHRM), the Western Reserve Chapter of SHRM, the International Personnel Management Association (IPMA) and the Ohio Public Employee Labor Relations Association (OHPELRA).
Commissioners
James L. Messenger, President
Atty. James L. Messenger was first appointed to the Civil Service Commission by Mayor Patrick J. Ungaro in September, 1991 and has served continuously since that time.
Atty. Messenger is a graduate of Ohio University and the Syracuse University College of Law and has practiced law in the City of Youngstown since 1967. Atty. Messenger has represented a number of public entities in the Mahoning County area including school boards, local governmental bodies, as well as private business, in the area of labor and employment matters including the negotiation of labor agreements in the public and private sector.
Atty. Messenger is past president of the Mahoning County Bar Association; a founding member of the Ohio Council of School Board Attorneys; and is a member of the Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers. Atty. Messenger is admitted to practice in the courts of Ohio as well as the U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio; U.S. Court of Appeals Sixth Circuit; and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Alfred Coward,
Vice-President
Alfred Coward was appointed Vice President of the Civil Service Commission on August 1, 2007 by Mayor Jay Williams. Mr. Coward attended Youngstown State University. He completed Wagnerian Ministerial Course and A.C.T.S. Institute for Leadership Training. He has served in the following positions: Assistant Pastor at Calvary Ministries International, Administrative Assistant for CMI, Executive Operating Officer for CMI, Head of Temple Ministries, CMI Head of Pastoral Affairs and Bereavement, Black History Instructor - Calvary Christian Academy, Athletic Director and Assistant Basketball Coach - Calvary Christian Academy Board of Education Chairman, and Leadership Instructor - Legacy Academy for Leaders and the Arts.
Mr. Coward has held the offices of: Calvary Ministries International Sunday School Superintendent, CMI Brotherhood Chairman, CMI Young People's Vice Chairman, CMI Young People's Assistant Treasure, CMI Sunday School Superintendent, Northern District of Ohio Young People's Chairman and the Founder of the NOD Young People's Bible Spelling Bee, the Northern District Young People's Assistant Treasure, and the Northern District Sunday School President.
Mr. Coward’s Civic Involvement includes: Mayor's Task Force on Crime & Violence Prevention Vice Chairman (two years); Mayor's Task Force on Crime & Violence Prevention Chairman (four years); Recipient of the Crisis Intervention Unit for Domestic Violence Achievement Award; and served on the Steering Committee of the Youngstown Weed & Seed for five years (Southside).
He is married to the former Verlene Brown for 38 years. To this union was born 3 children, Alfred ll, Teri, and Aaron. They are the proud grandparents of 7 beautiful grandchildren, Kandace & Kamille (twins) Ashley, Kayla, Courtney, Gabrielle, and Alfred D. Coward lll.
Alfred J. Fleming, Secretary
Attorney Al Fleming was appointed to the Civil Service Commission by Mayor George McKelvey in 2005. He attended Miami University and graduated from Youngstown State University with honors. He is a graduate of the University of Akron's School of Law and has practiced law in the City of Youngstown since 1975.
He worked at the Youngstown Steel Door Company and the East Ohio Gas Company while attending undergraduate and graduate school. He clerked for Manchester, Bennett, Powers and Ullman and the Mahoning County Public Defenders Office. Fleming joined the law practice of McLaughlin, DiBlasio and Harshman following graduation from law school and then represented the Cafaro Company in real estate matters for several years before returning to private practice in 1985. His law practice is concentrated in the areas of commercial real estate, business organizations, medical-legal and estate planning.
Attorney Fleming represented the City of Youngstown on the board of the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District for several years and currently serves on the Mahoning County Children Services Board. He is a past board member of the International Institute and the Youngstown Community Health Center. He was a charter member and incorporator of the North Side Citizens Coalition.
He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Mahoning County Bar Association and the Mahoning Shenango Valley Estate Planning Council. Attorney Fleming is admitted to practice in the courts of Ohio, the Federal District Court of Northern Ohio and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out what exams are being tested?
Examination announcements are distributed to various local service agencies throughout the city, various departments in the city, and are posted at the Civil Service Office. Announcements may also be posted in the Youngstown Vindicator Sunday Help Wanted Section, the YSU Jambar, and the Buckeye Review.
How long before I know my score and ranking?
Examination results will be mailed approximately two (2) weeks following the examination. You will receive your standing on the eligibility list approximately one (1) week following the receipt of your grade. All eligibility lists are in effect for a two (2) year period, unless used up before that time.
What are the rules for taking the examination?
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the examination start time for examination check-in. Have your Photo I.D. (Driver’s License) and filing receipt ready.
- Make sure you are well rested and mentally alert when you enter the examination room.
- Listen closely to the opening remarks of the Administrator in charge of the exam. If you do not understand the process, do not be afraid to ask questions. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS.
- Read each question carefully. You will have plenty of time. Entry level examinations are generally multiple choice exams that are 100 questions in length.
- There are no “trick” questions. Use common sense, clear thinking, and general knowledge to help you answer the questions correctly.
- Make sure you answer every question on the examination. An unanswered question is automatically a WRONG answer.
- You will probably have more time than you need to finish the examination. Double check your answer sheet to ensure that you have answered all questions.
What is the application process?
- Applicants must complete an application during the specified time frame listed on the examination announcement.
- Applications will NOT be accepted before or after the application period specified on the examination announcement. Applications must be received at the Civil Service Commission Office by close of business (4:00 p.m.) on the final day of the application period.
- Applications are available at the Youngstown Civil Service Commission Office, 7th Floor, City Hall, Youngstown, Ohio. Applications will be accepted only during office hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Read the examination announcement carefully and submit all required documents, such as form DD-214 for military veterans or other proof of bonus point eligibility with the application.
- Once your application has been received, you will receive a filing receipt. This filing receipt must be brought to the examination along with photo I.D. (Driver’s License).
Forms
Contact Information
7th Floor, City Hall
26 South Phelps Street
Youngstown
, OH
44503
| 330.742.8798 |
| 330.742.8839 |
| Monday thru Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Raymond Brown |
Vice President, Civil Service Commission
330.742.8798
|
| Alfred J. Fleming |
Secretary, Civil Service Commission
330.742.8798
|
| Jennifer J. Lewis |
Civil Service Administrator
330.742.8799
|
| James L. Messenger |
President, Civil Service Commission
330.742.8798
|
| Todie Sepulveda |
Secretary, Office Assistant
330.742.8798
|