Erie appoints Kelli Johnson as town manager
Johnson will start Jan. 4, 2027. Her agreement provides conditional severance if the town terminates her without cause.
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Erie Town Council appointed Kelli Johnson as town manager on Oct. 20, setting her initial annual compensation at $280,000 and her start date for Jan. 4, 2027, in an adopted resolution.
Johnson’s employment agreement provides 12 months of her then-current salary if the town terminates her without cause, provided she signs a release and settlement agreement. She would not receive that payment if she resigns or is terminated for cause. The agreement describes the position as at-will and for an indefinite term.
The position had been vacant since February 2026, with an acting manager serving in the interim. The town conducted a nationwide search and finalist interviews before staff began negotiating with Johnson, according to the town’s appointment report.