KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Today will be a pivotal day in the search for a new Kalamazoo city manager.
This afternoon, commissioners will meet in closed session to go over the resumes of the best candidates chosen from the 45 applications received by their executive recruiter, Pamela Wideman, and pick the handful they want to interview.
It is being done in closed session because most have asked that their names not be released. Most would rather not let their current employers know they are looking around for a new job.
Vice Mayor Jeanne Hess says the finalists’ names will be released tonight or tomorrow.
She says next week will be the Community Meet and Greet with the finalists on Tuesday the 14th, and formal interviews will be held at a special commission meeting on the 15th.
The final decision will be made at the regular commission meeting the following Monday, if all goes as planned.
Commissioners have had the last few days to go through the recommendations made by Wideman. The applications have been kept in the city attorney’s office to prevent leaks.
The city manager is the city’s chief executive officer, who oversees the day-to-day operation of the municipal staff.
Current City Manager Jim Ritsema has held the position for 13 years, and retires next month. Picking his replacement may be one of the most important decisions this commission will make.
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