Veteran City Employees Advance to Key Leadership Roles

*BATTLE CREEK, Mich.* — The City of Battle Creek has promoted two long-serving municipal employees to critical leadership positions, continuing a tradition of developing internal talent to serve the community.

Marcie Gillette has been named the next assistant city manager, while Bush McCarthy will serve as the new fire chief. Both appointments were announced by City Manager Amanda Zimmerlin on Monday.

Gillette Takes Over Assistant City Manager Role

Gillette, who has worked for the City of Battle Creek since 1998, will succeed Ted Dearing, who is retiring at the end of April after more than 30 years of dedicated service to the community.

Dearing continues to support a smooth transition as he concludes his decades-long career in public service.

"While we always value the perspectives and ideas external candidates bring, moments like this reflect the strength of investing in people who have built their careers serving Battle Creek and are ready to take on greater responsibility," Zimmerlin said.

Gillette's appointment recognizes her deep institutional knowledge and steady leadership. She has most recently served as the city's community services director since 2015, overseeing multiple areas of city operations with a focus on collaboration, service delivery, and organizational leadership.

"Marcie Gillette brings deep institutional knowledge, steady leadership and an unwavering commitment to public service to the role of assistant city manager," Zimmerlin said. "She has demonstrated sound judgment, professionalism and a strong dedication to our community throughout her career."

Her qualifications include a master's degree in organizational leadership from Siena Heights University and a bachelor's degree in human services administration. She is also a member of the International City/County Management Association and currently serves as vice chair of the Battle Creek Housing Commission.

"She is a member of the International City/County Management Association and is vice chair of the Battle Creek Housing Commission," Zimmerlin said.

Zimmerlin noted that Gillette's career has spanned multiple areas of city operations, with a particular focus on collaboration, service delivery, and organizational leadership.

McCarthy Named Fire Chief

McCarthy joins the Battle Creek Fire Department in April 2008 and was promoted to battalion chief in March 2025. He will now serve as the department's fire chief.

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.

"Along with his role in the fire department, McCarthy serves as a master sergeant in the Michigan Air National Guard, on the board of directors for the American Red Cross Southwest Michigan, and the Calhoun County Medical Control Authority board," Zimmerlin said.

McCarthy's qualifications include a bachelor's degree in communications from Albion College. He also serves as a master sergeant in the Michigan Air National Guard.

"Bush McCarthy's experience in the fire service and long tenure with the City of Battle Creek make him well suited to serve as fire chief," Zimmerlin said.

A Tradition of Internal Advancement

Both promotions exemplify City Manager Zimmerlin's commitment to investing in experienced employees who have built their careers serving Battle Creek. Zimmerlin noted that while the city always values external candidates, moments like these reflect the strength of developing internal talent.

Gillette's career has been marked by steady advancement and dedication to public service, most recently as community services director since 2015. Her promotion recognizes her ability to lead across multiple departments and her deep understanding of city operations.

McCarthy's promotion from battalion chief to fire chief follows a deliberate development strategy implemented during Chief Bagley's interim leadership. The department has strengthened its leadership pipeline by allowing battalion chiefs to take on expanded responsibilities, building a robust foundation for the future.

Community Leaders Continue Service

Both Gillette and McCarthy bring decades of experience, deep institutional knowledge, and strong connections to the Battle Creek community to their new roles. Their appointments signal the city's commitment to retaining and advancing talented municipal employees who understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing Battle Creek.

As the city moves forward with these leadership transitions, both officials are prepared to continue their long legacy of public service while bringing new energy and perspective to their expanded responsibilities.

Sources

  • Battle Creek promotes from within for new assistant city manager & fire chief — https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/kzoo-bc/calhoun/battle-creek-promotes-from-within-for-new-assistance-city-manager-fire-chief
  • New Battle Creek assistant city manager, fire chief; chief hire follows 18 month interim — https://wwmt.com/news/local/new-assistant-city-manager-fire-chief-city-battle-creek-18-month-interim-experience-leadership-roles-city-officials-western-michigan
  • Battle Creek names new assistant city manager, fire chief — https://wkzo.com/2026/03/30/909069/