City of East Grand Rapids issued the following announcement.
The City of East Grand Rapids has selected Shea Charles as its new city manager.
Charles, who previously served as Howell’s city manager for 15 years, was unanimously appointed EGR’s top administrator by the City Commission on Jan. 4. He will start the new role in early-mid February.
With 25 years of municipal and managerial experience, Charles brings great knowledge and insight to the city. He most recently served as interim CEO of the Michigan Municipal Services Authority. His earlier experience includes various management and administrative positions in municipalities across the state.
“The commissioners and I were particularly impressed by Shea’s robust background in municipal work and leadership,” Mayor Katie Favale said. “We are confident he will build on our City’s great work, lead us into the future and work seamlessly with our experienced staff and community partners. We look forward to his leadership as we begin to transition back to normal operations in 2021.”
Charles succeeds Interim City Manager Doug La Fave, who has served in the role since early 2019 following the retirement of Brian Donovan. Charles was among six finalists for the position as part of a national search that drew 56 applicants.
In his new role, Charles will oversee a budget of $24 million, lead a staff of over 90 individuals and work with community partners to continue the City’s mission to provide a great place to live, work and play.
“East Grand Rapids is such a vibrant community, and I am eager to get started working with the team and jumping right in,” Charles said. “I am looking forward to getting to know the residents and the community and learning more about how we can work together to continue enhancing it.”
Charles will move to East Grand Rapids from Howell along with his wife, Barb, and son, Ethan.
The City Commission worked with the Michigan Municipal League to find its next city manager. The search process included community and staff surveys on what was needed in the next city manager, a virtual meet and greet with the finalists and interviews with City leaders and the City Commission.
For more information on East Grand Rapids, visit www.eastgr.org. Follow the City on Twitter @cityofeastgr and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CityofEGR.
Original source can be found here.
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