Akron is losing a familiar face -- and voice -- at City Hall.

Deputy Mayor Dave Lieberth sent an e-mail today announced his retirement from the City of Akron, effective December 1st. His last day will be November 30, 2012.

Lieberth said he and Mayor Don Plusquellic have been discussing the plan over the past several months and the next 60 days would serve as a transition period.

Lieberth first joined Plusquellic's administration in May 2002 and serves as Deputy Mayor for Administration and Chief of Staff. He also oversees operations at Lock 3 and other downtown programs.

Lieberth's announcement:

Friends,

I wanted you to know that I will retire from the City of Akron on December 1st. My last day with the Mayor’s Office will be November 30.

Over the past year I’ve been thinking about making this transition, and have been discussing my plans with the Mayor for several months. Over the next 90 days we will transition responsibilities for the projects I have been working on.

Other creative pursuits await – nothing definite – but there will be more writing, thinking, sleeping, and speaking in days ahead. Not necessarily in that order.

Thank you for your support these past 10 years.

Dave Lieberth