Director of Public Service Richard Merolla today announced the appointment of Ralph Coletta, P.E., who will become the manager of the Akron Engineering Bureau, replacing David Celik, who retired earlier this year.

Coletta, 59, a professional engineer, has been the administrator of the Akron Planning Department division of development and real estate services for the past 10 years.

"Ralph brings a wealth of knowledge from both inside and outside City Hall to this demanding job." Merolla said. "He focuses on customer service, which aligns directly with the goals of the city’s service department. I have great confidence in Ralph and look forward to working with him to enhance an already top performing bureau."

After graduating from St. Vincent High School and the University of Akron (B.S.C.E, 1971) Coletta worked for AMATS, the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study. From 1974 - 1989, Coletta supervised industrial construction jobs for his family’s business, the J.P. Polo Company that did work for Akron’s major rubber companies, among others.  

Coletta supervised construction of General Tire’s Latex plant in Mogadore.

In 1989, he re-joined AMATS as a transportation engineer and oversaw federally-funded highway projects in Summit and Portage Counties. In 1998, he became the city’s principal contact for the acquisition and sale of properties, re-location services and property demolition. His division also managed city-owned properties and supervised housing construction by the non-profit corporation, UNDC, which has built some 400 new residential structures in the city.

"I’m looking forward to Akron’s continued growth and progress during these exciting times," said Coletta. "The Goodyear and Firestone projects together with the development of the Biomedical Corridor promise to re-shape much of the city in the next decade. Our engineering bureau has a well-earned reputation of professionalism and excellence, and I look forward to leading the changes in Akron’s urban landscape."

Coletta has been married to Christine for 32 years and they have two grown children, Cherie (Bruce) Arthur and Jackie Coletta. Ralph is a resident of Akron’s Ward One, attends Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and is active with the Knights of Columbus including the 4th Degree Assembly.