PORTAGE, MI -- The Portage City Council has unanimously selected Karen Dempsey-Horan as the city's next manager, a choice that makes her the first woman to hold the role.
Dempsey-Horan was chosen from a field of three finalists during a special meeting at Portage City Hall Friday morning. Contract negotiations are expected to begin immediately, with a target start date of November 2, 2026.
Dempsey-Horan has served Woodlands Township, Texas, for 28 years, beginning in community relations and eventually rising to executive management. According to information from the city, she is originally from the Great Lakes region and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids.
The search for a replacement for former City Manager Pat McGinnis, who retired on July 3, drew 53 applicants. The city council narrowed the field to four candidates in July, and three finalists advanced after first-round interviews on August 19. Those finalists then participated in second-round interviews on August 25 and met with residents and community stakeholders at a public reception the same day.
The other two finalists were Mt. Pleasant City Manager Aaron Desentz and Hastings City Manager Sarah Moyer-Cole.
Acting City Manager Adam Herringa has been serving as the city's chief administrative officer during the search process.
If contract negotiations are successful, Dempsey-Horan would officially begin her tenure as Portage's city manager on November 2.