This morning the Kent County Board of Commissioners promoted Interim County Administrator Wayman Britt to the role of Administrator/Controller. The unanimous (19-0) vote came after a year-long search for candidates across the country. Britt has been with Kent County since 2004, serving as management oversight for the Kent County Health Department, Community Action and Veterans Services.
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. “This was a comprehensive search that led to a clear-cut result: Wayman Britt is the best person for the job,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Jim Saalfeld. “I’ve worked with Wayman for the past seven years, and I am confident Kent County has selected an outstanding leader and Administrator. Wayman shows a steadfast commitment to our community, a collaborative nature, and impeccable ethical standards.”
Britt has been serving as the Interim County Administrator since July 2017. “The past seven months made me more certain that I wanted to serve our County as Administrator/Controller. I am humbled by the support I’ve received throughout the process and honored to be selected by the Board,” Britt said. “I will continue to serve the people of Kent County with passion and enthusiasm, and I’m confident we will continue to find innovative ways to provide residents with the great programs and services they’ve come to know.”
Chair Saalfeld assembled an Administrator/Controller Recruitment Subcommittee comprised of himself, current and former Commissioners, and current community leaders to lead the search process. The subcommittee used the search firm GovHR, which received nearly 70 applicants for the role. Subcommittee Chair Sandi Frost Steensma (who previously served as County Board Chair) was pleased with the outcome. “Wayman excelled during the interview process; he has a demonstrated track record of great leadership abilities,” she said. “He had great support from the community and leaders throughout Kent County. He is the right leader at the right time.”
Subcommittee member and Board of Commissioners’ Minority Party Vice-Chair Carol Hennessy echoed that sentiment. “I’ve received many calls and emails from residents showing their support for Wayman throughout this process. He is the right choice for this role.”
Prior to beginning his career with the County in 2004, Britt held several management positions at Steelcase, Inc. and Michigan National Bank – Central. He 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, Grand Rapids Downtown Market Board of Directors, West Michigan Sports Commission, Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy Board and the Kent County Human Services Board.
