2024-11-18T18:07:21-05:00November 18th, 2024|

West Olive, Michigan – Ottawa County is a beautiful county with a bright future! We are cultivating a county Where Freedom Rings, businesses flourish, and families thrive.

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners (BOC) is given the statutory responsibility to appoint a County Administrator to oversee county government. When we were elected, we committed to return Ottawa County to the priorities and protection of the people. Hiring an excellent County Administrator is an important step in creating a beautiful future for Ottawa County and future generations.

On September 24, 2024, the Executive Transition Committee was appointed by the BOC and tasked with searching for a full-time county administrator. Since then, 19 resumes have been received, representing a tremendous pool of talent and experience! Thank you to each person who demonstrated a desire to serve in Ottawa County.

All resumes are available to the public on the county website at miottawa.org.

Recent Updates & Interview Process

The Executive Transition Committee reviewed applicant resumes for evidence of strong leadership, depth of knowledge, relevant experience, education, and the ability to lead complex teams. Ottawa County is blessed to have outstanding individuals applying for the County Administrator position!

The committee voted on November 15, 2024, to move four applicants forward for public interviews:

  1. Christopher Estes
  2. James Freed
  3. Patrick Jordan
  4. James Lower

Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The interviews will be livestreamed and video recorded for the public. The committee will reconvene on Thursday, November 21, 2024, to choose two candidates to move to a second round of interviews which are scheduled for Friday, November 22, 2024.

Recommendation to Board of Commissioners

On Monday, November 25, 2024, the Executive Transition Committee will reconvene to vote on an applicant to present to the full Board of Commissioners. The Board is anticipated to vote at the regular board meeting on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

We, along with the other county commissioners on the Executive Transition Committee, invite all current county commissioners, constituents, staff, and recently elected county commissioners to watch the interviews and contact us to share their perspectives on which candidates they believe should 1) move forward for the second round of interviews, and 2) which candidate should ultimately be presented to be the next County Administrator.

We are excited to continue building a beautiful future for Ottawa County— one which includes the proven leadership of our next County Administrator, who will assist the Board of Commissioners with delivering excellent services and make Ottawa County a shining example of county government of and for the people.

Joe Moss
Chair
Executive Transition Committee

Allison Miedema
Vice Chair
Executive Transition Committee