Ottawa County voted June 4 to move forward with five administrator candidates, all labeled top choices by Double Haul Solutions — but according to officials, only three accepted the opportunity to interview.
They include Muskegon County Administrator Mark Eisenbarth; Lee County, Florida, Deputy County Administrator Glen Salyer; and Michael Tremblay, a retiring Army officer with experience in workforce development, municipal operations, crisis response and strategic planning
Chair John Teeples confirmed via text that two candidates had withdrawn, but said he didn’t know why. The county did not release the names of the candidates who declined to interview, but the withdrawals came after a tumultuous meeting June 4, during which commissioners argued about the need to enter closed session to protect the confidentiality of applicants.
“These finalists reflect a diversity of backgrounds and leadership styles,” Teeples wrote in a statement. “We’re committed to finding a leader who can build relationships across our organization and community, support our staff, and help guide Ottawa County into its next chapter of service.”
According to the statement, Eisenbarth has nearly two decades of public service experience. His leadership in Muskegon County has focused on “financial stewardship, strategic planning and public-private partnerships.” He helped secure more than $85 million in competitive grant funding, officials said, including collaborations with Ottawa County.
Salyer helps manage a 2,900-employee government, the statement said, with a $733 million operating budget, leading the creation of a COVID relief initiative and managing over $1 billion in hurricane recovery efforts. According to officials, his experience “spans legislative policy, economic development, public health infrastructure and municipal coordination.”
Tremblay is a two-time Brigade Commander with more than 20 years of experience in executive leadership, the statement said. He was once city manager of USAG Humphreys in South Korea, overseeing a more than $1 billion capital improvement budget and leading infrastructure transformation. His background includes leading a team of over 2,400 employees across 280 locations, according to Ottawa County.
There is a public meet-and-greet running 3:30-5:30 p.m. June 11 in Conference Room H at 12220 Fillmore, when residents and stakeholders can speak with each of the candidates. Beforehand, candidates will interview with a Citizen Work Group, comprising “municipal professionals and community partners who regularly interact” with Ottawa County.
Interviews before the full board will begin at 9 a.m. June 12, with plans to continue discussions June 13, if needed.
Once a candidate is selected, officials said, Double Haul Solutions will conduct a background check and assist with contract negotiations as requested.
“This next phase is about learning more about each finalist as a person — not just a resume,” Teeples wrote. “We’re looking for someone who can lead with steadiness, communicate with intention, and navigate complexity with professionalism and care.”
— Cassandra Lybrink is the local editor of The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at clybrink@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Ottawa County to interview three admin candidates after two drop. Here’s who they are
Reporting by Cassandra Lybrink, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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