Robin Davis, communications director for Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, told The Dispatch Tuesday that interviews are being conducted this week with nine people from among 34 applications who applied for the position. Ginther has said he hopes to have a police chief named by the end of May. Michael Woods continues to serve as interim chief on a supplemental contract after his retirement in April. He replaced former Chief Thomas Quinlan, who was asked to step down in late January. Davis said interviews are being conducted this week by Ralph Andersen and Associates, the search firm hired by the city to conduct the chief search; Director of Public Safety Ned Pettus, city Human Resources director Nikki Brandon, Chief of Staff Ken PaulDeputy Chiefs of Staff Kate Pishotti and Kathy Owens, as well as Willard McIntosh, a member of the Civilian Review Board and retired Columbus police officer.