Returned Shaker native William McRae is the newest member of the City’s Civil Service Commission, appointed recently by Mayor David E. Weiss.
McRae is completing the unexpired term of Commission member Lee Trotter, who recently resigned after 15 years of service on the Commission. The term expires December 31, 2026.
“Mr. McRae’s deep commitment to civic and community engagement, along with his leadership experience and service-driven mindset, make him a strong addition to the Civil Service Commission,” Mayor Weiss said in introducing McRae at the April 28 City Council meeting.
McRae is a 1985 graduate of Shaker Heights High School. After graduation, he served in the United States Army for 30 years in several leadership roles, including as systemic inspections division chief for the United States Army Inspector General Agency, and as the NORAD-NORTHCOM senior representative to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
In addition, he volunteers with Shaker Heights Schools’ MAC Scholars Program, where he encourages student achievement and excellence.
“I’m happy to be home. I feel like selfless service is important. And I’m honored to have been considered and nominated. I returned to Shaker to see the Browns win the Super Bowl – which may or may not happen – and because this is home,” McRae said at the Council meeting. “I’d like to serve my hometown Shaker Heights in a substantive way. I believe my experience serving on centralized promotion and command selection boards will prove beneficial to the commission's execution of its critical mission.”
The Shaker Heights Civil Service Commission consists of three community members, a chairperson and two commissioners, appointed by the Mayor. Their task is to determine the criteria for appointment and promotion in the City’s Fire and Police departments. Commission members serve a maximum of two six-year terms, unless they take over for a member exiting their term early.