By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org
At its Monday night meeting, the Wyoming City Council appointed John Shay as the city’s next city manager.
“The City of Wyoming is such a vibrant community and I’m eager to get started working with the team,” Shay said in. released statement. “I am looking forward to getting to know the residents and the community and learning more about how we can work together.”
Shay, who mostly recently served as the administrator for Ottawa County, was one of four candidates who were interviewed by the council on April 13 and April 15. The other candidates were Plainfield Charter Township Assistant Township Manager/Superintendent Jen DeHaan, City of Wyoming Interim City Manager John McCarter, and Norton Shores City Administrator Mark Meyers.
During the meeting, Mayor Kent Vanderwood called it a “tough decision” between the candidates. He thanked Mayor Pro-Team Rob Postema and Second Ward Councilmember Marissa Postler, who along with Vanderwood were the city manager search subcommittee. Vanderwood, as well as other council members, gave their appreciation to staff for their help through this city manager selection process.
Shay served as Ottawa County administrator from August 2021 to January 2023. Shay also served as deputy county administrator from July 2018 to August 2021. Additional Michigan experience includes serving the City of Ludington as city manager from February 2003 to July 2018, and prior to that was the village manager of Almont from August 1998 to January 2003.
Shay currently lives in the City of Ludington with his wife, Carla. Shay has three children, Bethany, Evan and Molly.
At the meeting, First Ward Councilmember Sheldon DeKryger made the motion to appoint John Shay and Councilmember-At-Large Renee Hill supported it.
“I am delighted to offer John the city manager position,” Vanderwood said in a statement released after the meeting. “His well-rounded experience has prepared him to lead us into the future and work seamlessly with our staff and community partners. We look forward to his leadership as we face challenges and opportunities together as a City.”
The nationwide search considered 48 candidates generated by the executive recruitment firm of Baker Tilly.
The City Council hopes to have an employment agreement approved by mid-May.
For more information on the City of Wyoming, visit wyomingmi.gov. Follow the City on Facebook at facebook.com/CityofWyoming and on Twitter @WyomingCityHall. The Wyoming City Council meetings are recorded live by WKTV. The meetings can be viewed on the WKTV Community Media Facebook page and on WKTV Live.
