More Thoughts on the Administrator Search
This past Tuesday, Chair Teeples and various members of the Board expressed a desire to pause its search for a new County Administrator for the summer, with plans to reopen the application process in August and select a candidate in late September. While not necessarily opposed to such a delay, I do think that two months without any action on providing stable leadership for Ottawa County is time not well spent.
During the meeting, I expressed a desire to pursue a Deputy Administrator hire in the interim, prior to hiring an Administrator, as I believe that may be a more manageable task for the Board, providing immediate leadership stability while we continue the Administrator search. In addition, I expressed a preference for an internal hire for both the Deputy and the Administrator positions, but especially for the Deputy position, as we have many talented individuals currently within our organization who could ably take on the Deputy role and who would leverage existing institutional knowledge, foster trust, and ensure continuity among our workforce and community and would also ensure we offer valuable Ottawa County staff members a strong career and development opportunity.
Traditionally, the County Administrator selects their Deputy, with the Board approving the choice with minimal input. However, I believe the Deputy Administrator’s role is too critical to be left solely to the Administrator’s discretion. The Deputy serves as a vital liaison between the Board of Commissioners and Ottawa County’s various boards and commissions, a function that directly impacts our governance and community engagement. This role demands someone who aligns with the Board’s vision and priorities, not just the Administrator’s. By hiring a Deputy Administrator first, the Board can ensure this position is filled by someone who strengthens our connection to county operations and stakeholders. This person could also serve as a bridge during the transition to a permanent Administrator, maintaining momentum on key initiatives.
While I understand the rationale for pausing the Administrator search to regroup after two unsuccessful attempts, I believe a proactive approach is essential. A two-month delay without progress risks further uncertainty in county leadership, which has been absent a permanent Administrator since February 2024. Instead, we should use this time to secure a capable Deputy Administrator, ideally from within our ranks, to stabilize operations and lay the groundwork for a successful Administrator hire.
