GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – Al Vanderberg put his best foot forward for a new job effort last night (June 23, 2021).
The Ottawa County Administrator since 2003 was one of three finalists for the Kent County Administrator’s position that appeared in a community forum in Grand Rapids. Vanderberg, who was Kent County’s Deputy Administrator for four years before coming to West Olive, said that Kent County is at “a hinge of history at this time.
“There are an awful lot of things that can be done inside with the organization, but also in the community,” Vanderberg said in his opening statement at the forum. “There are a lot of partnerships to be made, a lot of huge areas that need accomplishment, and part of the hinge of that is getting the right person in the Administrator’s spot.”
Vanderberg also sounded as if his 18 years as the operational leader of Ottawa County government is in his rear view mirror. “I’ve had a great time in Ottawa County,” he said. “We’ve had a transformational time and have achieved many, many things, and I loved my job.”
Vanderberg, Kent County Health Department Director Adam London, and the Economic Development Director for the City of Flint Khalfani Stephens, each made statements and took questions for over an hour. They are looking to replace Wayman Britt, who is retiring on June 24th after 17 years.
The Kent County Board has a Thursday morning special meeting scheduled, where the Commissioners could decide on which candidate would be invited to contract negotiations.
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