Ottawa County Picks 3 Diverse Finalists for Administrator Role

12220 Fillmore, Ottawa County, Michigan, USA - Ottawa County is on the verge of significant leadership decisions as the search for a new County Administrator narrows down to three candidates, following a recent vote on June 4. The County Board has taken a decisive step in advancing the process, as reported by Holland Sentinel.

The candidates who accepted the opportunity to interview for this pivotal role are as follows:

• Mark Eisenbarth, currently serving as Muskegon County Administrator
• Glen Salyer, Deputy County Administrator of Lee County, Florida
• Michael Tremblay, a retiring Army officer with extensive experience in municipal operations and workforce development

Interestingly, two other candidates chose to withdraw from the interview process, their reasons undisclosed, after a contentious meeting regarding applicant confidentiality. The Board has not identified these candidates, which adds a layer of intrigue to the selection process.

Eisenbarth, with nearly two decades of public service under his belt, has demonstrated a keen focus on financial stewardship and strategic planning. His achievements include securing over $85 million in grant funding, making him a strong candidate. Meanwhile, Salyer manages a robust government environment with 2,900 employees and a sizeable $733 million budget. His experience is particularly relevant, having led efforts in COVID relief and hurricane recovery. Tremblay, on the other hand, brings over 20 years of executive leadership experience, including a significant role overseeing a $1 billion capital improvement budget while serving in South Korea.

Building the Future

As Ottawa County continues to develop, the new administrator will play a vital role in fostering collaboration and ensuring accountability across departments. According to Double Haul Solutions, the new leader will be tasked with building trust among residents and external partners and leading with integrity. As the area is known for its stunning landscapes and a mix of urban and rural living, this new position is more than just administrative; it’s about shaping the community’s future.

The public meet-and-greet with the finalists is scheduled for June 11 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at 12220 Fillmore. This is a golden opportunity for residents to engage with the candidates before the interviews commence with a Citizen Work Group on June 12, starting at 9 a.m. Interviews are expected to continue into June 13 if necessary.

What’s at Stake?

The inspiration behind these significant leadership choices arises from the previous administrator’s dismissal amid misconduct allegations, resulting in a $190,000 settlement for the county. With 39 candidates initially applying for the position, narrowing it down to three finalists reflects a rigorous selection process that many hope will bring stability back to Ottawa County’s administration.

Ultimately, the community awaits a fresh perspective—someone who will not only manage budgets and staff but also embody the values of Ottawa County, which prides itself on good governance and service excellence. As residents prepare for the upcoming interviews and meet-and-greet, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation about finding the right person to guide Ottawa County into the future.