The Kent County Board of Commissioners has announced Assistant County Administrator Wayman Britt will take over as Interim County Administrator/Controller on July 1. Britt has been with Kent County since 2004, serving as management oversight for the Kent County Health Department, the Community Development and Housing Department, and the Veterans Services Department.
In addition, he is the liaison for the State Department of Health and Human Services, and is responsible for several community initiatives such as the Kent County Family and Children’s Coordinating Council. “Daryl has assembled a very capable and effective staff that reports to him,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Jim Saalfeld. “In selecting Wayman, the Board noted his commitment to our community, collaborative nature and impeccable ethical standards. I have great confidence in both Wayman and the staff members that Daryl has placed in leadership as we operate during this interim period.” Chair Saalfeld assembled an Administrator/ Controller Recruitment Subcommittee comprised of himself, current and former Commissioners, and current community leaders to spearhead the search process for the role.
Prior to beginning his career with the County in 2004, Britt held several management positions at Steelcase, Inc. and Michigan National Bank – Central. “Wayman brings a solid combination of private and public sector experience to the role. He has a service-oriented perspective, and is respected for his ability to collaborate and look at creative ways to provide the best services to our residents,” said Daryl Delabbio. “He will do very well leading an extremely talented and committed staff.” Britt holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Michigan.
Britt has served on numerous boards and councils, including the Gerald R. Ford Council Boy Scouts of America, Grand Rapids Community Foundation Board of Trustees, Treasurer of the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Board of Directors, the West Michigan Sports Commission, Grand Rapids Job Corps Community Relations Council, and Kent County American Red Cross Executive Board. “I am humbled and honored to be appointed by the Board to serve in this interim role while the County determines a permanent replacement,” Britt said. “Daryl leaves a great legacy; I look forward to serving the people of Kent County as graciously and enthusiastically as he has. We have done some great work as a County, and I am confident we will continue making Kent County one of the great places to live and work!”
Current Kent County Administrator/Controller Daryl Delabbio retires on June 30, wrapping up a career spanning four decades in municipal management. Delabbio has held the Kent County Administrator/Controller role since 1998, after three years as Assistant County Administrator. During his tenure Delabbio successfully built partnerships within the community and made it a priority to provide excellent customer service and encourage diversity and inclusion throughout the County.
