Howell City Manager Erv Suida will retire effective Aug. 8, according to release sent to media July 28.
Suida has served as manager for four years, preceded by 23 years with the Department of Public Works. He announced his intent to retire during a meeting of Howell City Council.
“During his time as (manager), Suida invested heavily in city staff, creating a strong culture of public servants, while also ensuring a proper succession,” the release read.
Deputy City Manager Kristi Troy has been tapped to serve in an interim role upon Suida’s departure.
“It has been an honor and a joy to serve this great city, but I didn’t do it alone,” Suida wrote in the release. “I am fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible team of public servants, all of whom believe in Howell and want the city to succeed. I am proud of the work we have accomplished together for this great community and I think it’s the right time to pass the baton.”
Among his accomplishments are four balanced budgets, renovations to Howell City Hall, an “economic development boom” downtown, the upcoming Fire and Ice Depot District and improvements to Scofield Beach Park, according to the release.
“Erv’s impact on Howell extends far beyond bricks and mortar,” wrote Mayor Bob Ellis. “His vision, integrity, and tireless dedication have left a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit our city for years to come.”
Troy, also the city’s planning and zoning administrator, has years of experience in municipal administration and urban planning, according to the release, and has served as deputy since January.
Councilmembers are expected to outline a selection process for a new manager over the next three months.
The managership isn’t the only role undergoing change in the second half of 2025. Howell will get a new mayor in November, and the “who” has likely already been decided by default.
Nikolas Hertrich, a lifelong local and member of Howell City Council, was the only official candidate to file for the role. He could still be challenged by a write-in candidate.
— Cassandra Lybrink is the local editor of The Livingston Daily. Contact her at clybrink@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: ‘An honor and a joy’: Erv Suida to retire as city manager of Howell
Reporting by Cassandra Lybrink, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
