PORTAGE, MI. The Portage City Council will interview three finalists for the City Manager position on Tuesday, August 25, as the city moves closer to filling a leadership vacancy that opened after Pat McGinnis retired in July.
The three finalists were selected following first-round interviews held by the City Council on Wednesday, August 19. Four candidates participated in that first round, which gave Council members a chance to learn more about each candidate's leadership experience, qualifications, and approach to municipal government.
The three finalists advancing to the next stage are:
- Karen Dempsey-Horan, Chief Administrative Officer, The Woodlands Township, Texas
- Aaron Desentz, City Manager, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
- Sarah Moyer-Cale, City Manager, Hastings, Michigan
On Tuesday, each finalist will take part in an individual interview with the City Council. Interviews are set for 12:30 PM at Portage City Hall, 7900 South Westnedge Avenue. The interviews are open to the public and will be broadcast live on Public Access (Spectrum Channel 995 and AT&T Channel 99) and livestreamed at www.portagemi.gov/WatchLive.
The finalists also will attend a community reception from 4:30 to 5:45 PM at the Portage Zhang Senior Center, 203 East Centre Avenue. The reception gives residents and other community members a chance to meet the candidates and learn more about their experience and vision for Portage.
The City Council expects to select the next City Manager following the finalist interviews and anticipates having the new City Manager in place by early September.
Additional information about the City Manager search, including candidate details, interview logistics, and updates on the selection process, is available at www.portagemi.gov/170.