STURGIS – Following a closed session meeting Wednesday, April 22, Sturgis City Manager Andrew Kuk announced he is stepping down from the role.
Kuk and the Sturgis City Commission agreed to a mutual separation following Kuk’s resignation from the position of city manager. Kuk’s resignation will be effective July 24, and he said he will continue to serve as city manager until then.Kuk said Wednesday the reasons for his resignation and separation are two-fold, based on personal reflection and considering the goals of the commission.
“Personally, this separation allows me the opportunity to make some needed changes and pursue other family priorities,” Kuk said, such as a “better work-life balance and health focus.
“For the city, I believe that every city commission should have a city manager who shares their vision and desired management style. I think this change will facilitate that. I am happy to be a part of the city’s story and expect the next chapter will continue the successes of the past.”
Kuk has served as Sturgis city manager since April 2023, following a brief time as interim city manager after Mike Hughes resigned. Before that, Kuk served nearly 15 years in roles as assistant city manager and assistant to the city manager. He started with the city as an intern while attending Western Michigan University.
Kuk said he is proud of his work in Sturgis over the years.
“The city of Sturgis has been a part of my life for over 18 years and it has been my honor to serve the community,” Kuk said. “I cannot thank the many city staff and commissioners I have worked with enough for the opportunity to grow as a professional and a person here.”
The city commission issued a collective statement Wednesday, saying the separation, while unanticipated, allows for a look to the future.
“We thank Andrew for his time with the city,” the commission said in its statement. “We now need to stay focused on the positive and find the next leader to best continue to grow and develop the City of Sturgis.”
The commission and Kuk agreed Wednesday it was in the best interest of the city to “have as smooth a transition as possible with upcoming work on the next fiscal year budget.”
The city commission will immediately begin the process of a search for a new city manager, with anticipation of having that person installed later this year.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Sturgis City Manager Andrew Kuk to leave role
Reporting by Dan Cherry, Special to Sturgis Journal / Sturgis Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
