Two Long-Time Employees Advance to Key Leadership Roles in Battle Creek
*BATTLE CREEK, MI* — The City of Battle Creek has named Marcie Gillette as assistant city manager and Bush McCarthy as fire chief, advancing both employees to key leadership positions after decades of dedicated service to the community.
City Manager Amanda Zimmerlin announced the promotions on Monday, March 30, highlighting how both appointments reflect the city's commitment to investing in experienced employees who have built their careers serving Battle Creek.
"Both bring decades of experience, deep institutional knowledge, and strong connections to the Battle Creek community," Zimmerlin said. "The promotions reflect the city's commitment to investing in experienced employees who have built their careers serving Battle Creek."
Marcie Gillette Takes Over as Assistant City Manager
Gillette has worked for the city of Battle Creek since 1998, most recently serving as community services director since 2015. Her career spans multiple areas of city operations, with a focus on collaboration, service delivery, and organizational leadership.
She will succeed Ted Dearing, who will retire at the end of April following more than 30 years of service to the Battle Creek community.
"Dearing continues to support a smooth transition as he concludes with a decades-long career in public service," Zimmerlin explained.
Gillette's extensive background includes work in community services, operations management, and various administrative roles throughout her twenty-plus years with the city. Her promotion recognizes her institutional knowledge and ability to navigate complex municipal challenges.
Bush McCarthy Named Fire Chief After Interim Leadership
McCarthy joined the Battle Creek Fire Department in April 2008 and was promoted to battalion chief in March 2025. He also serves on the American Red Cross Southwest Michigan board of directors and the Calhoun County Medical Control Authority board.
His appointment follows an extended period of interim leadership under Police Chief Shannon Bagley. Over the past 18 months, the city focused on developing fire service leadership by allowing battalion chiefs to take on expanded responsibilities, strengthening the department's readiness and leadership depth.
"McCarthy's appointment follows an extended period of interim leadership under Police Chief Shannon Bagley," Zimmerlin noted. "Over the past 18 months, the city focused on developing fire service leadership by allowing battalion chiefs to take on expanded responsibilities, strengthening the department's readiness and leadership depth."
Investing in Experienced Staff
Both promotions underscore a broader philosophy of developing long-term city employees into leadership positions. The city has prioritized internal growth, promoting staff who understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing Battle Creek.
McCarthy's appointment to fire chief comes after he spent over a decade and a half in the battalion chief role. His dual service on the American Red Cross Southwest Michigan board and the Calhoun County Medical Control Authority demonstrates his commitment to public service beyond the fire department.
Gillette's promotion to assistant city manager recognizes her decades of work across multiple city departments. Her background in community services, combined with her administrative experience, positions her well to oversee the city's operations and coordinate between various municipal functions.
Looking Ahead
The City of Battle Creek continues to build on a foundation of experienced leadership. Both Gillette and McCarthy bring deep knowledge of local issues, established relationships within the community, and proven track records of effective management.
Their appointments ensure continuity in city operations while maintaining the high standards that have defined Battle Creek's municipal services. As the city moves forward, these leadership transitions represent a commitment to developing strong, sustainable governance through internal talent and institutional knowledge.