Berkley, Royal Oak, and Troy: A Busy Time for City Manager Searches
In the bustling Oakland County, three cities are engaged in a flurry of activity as they work towards selecting new city managers. This period of change is set against the backdrop of the ongoing search for effective and community-driven leadership across the region.
Berkley City Council to Meet for Special Decision
The Berkley City Council has scheduled a special meeting for October 7 at 5:30 p.m. to finalize the hiring of a new city manager. The council recently interviewed three strong candidates for the role, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives to the table. The finalists are:
- M. Jon Dean: Currently serving as the head of human resources at Veterinary United.
- Khalfani Stephens: The deputy mayor of Pontiac.
- Crystal VanVleck: Currently the deputy city manager of community services in Oak Park.
The salary range for this position in Berkley is set between $140,000 and $160,000, reflecting the importance of the role in the city’s operations and future direction. The meeting will take place in the council chambers at City Hall, located at 3338 Coolidge Hwy, and residents can tune in via the city’s YouTube channel or on WBRK radio.
Royal Oak Searches for Leadership
Meanwhile, Royal Oak is also in the process of seeking a new city manager, with a public interview session scheduled for October 12. At this event, residents will have the opportunity to hear from three candidates:
- Khalfani Stephens (also a finalist in Berkley)
- Joseph Gacioch, the current city manager of Ferndale
- Erik Tungate, the city manager of Oak Park
This position offers a higher salary range of $190,000 to $210,000, reflecting the city’s commitment to attracting top talent. The public sessions will take place at Royal Oak City Hall in the commission chambers.
Troy’s Ongoing Search and Challenges
In Troy, the city is close to identifying its next leader after the council previously decided to appoint deputy city manager Bob Bruner to succeed the retiring Mark Miller. Unfortunately, negotiations with Bruner fell short, prompting the city to restart the search in September. The current pay range for the new manager is between $177,500 and $240,000.
As of now, the names of the candidates for Troy have not been disclosed, as the city has yet to reach the finalist stage. The city council is set to hold a special meeting on October 21 that will include discussions about the candidates, but this will involve a closed session. Public interviews will be scheduled afterward, but time is of the essence as Troy Police Chief Frank Nastasi has been appointed interim manager, a role he can only hold for three months due to Michigan civil service rules.
A Unique Grand Landscape of Management Change
This wave of city manager searches is quite an interesting happening all at once in Oakland County. Courtney Flynn, a spokeswoman for Troy, highlighted how many cities are undergoing changes in such a concentrated timeframe. She emphasized the need for a thorough but swift process to ensure that the right candidates are selected for these pivotal roles.
Residents from all three cities are encouraged to engage in the process. After all, the city manager plays a vital role in shaping the community’s future and driving positive change. In these exciting times, all eyes are on Berkley, Royal Oak, and Troy as they take important steps toward selecting their new leaders.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
