The City of Ferndale is entering the next phase in its search for a new City Manager, a role essential to executing City Council policies, overseeing daily operations, and ensuring that ordinances, policies, and community plans are carried out effectively.

During November and December, the City actively sought community input through surveys, gathering feedback from stakeholders on the desired qualities for the next City Manager. The City received 118 completed surveys, which included 351 narrative comments, offering valuable insights into the community's vision for its next leader.

A summary of the survey results, compiled by the City’s executive search consultant, highlighted the following key qualities the community seeks in their next City Manager:

• Fiscal responsibility and budget management: Stakeholders want the next City Manager to address financial challenges transparently and balance the budget responsibly.
• Infrastructure and facilities: The next City Manager should modernize city buildings, address aging infrastructure, and implement long-term maintenance plans.
• Leadership and workforce management: Effective leadership to support employees, and foster collaboration.
• Community engagement and transparency: Strengthen trust through open communication, transparent decision-making, and resident involvement.
• Urban development and vision: Stakeholders expect thoughtful growth that preserves community character, supports housing affordability, and ensures sustainability.

Candidates

After a comprehensive search, the Ferndale City Council has identified three finalists for the City Manager position. The following candidates will participate in public interviews and community events (positions listed are either current or their most recent):

• Vester Davis – City Manager, Springfield, MI
• James Krizan - Assistant City Manager, Ferndale, MI
• Colleen O’Toole – City Manager, Saline, MI

Meet-and-Greet and Public Interviews

Community stakeholders are invited to meet the candidates and provide feedback during a special event on February 6, 2025. The schedule for the day is as follows:

5:00 to 5:45 p.m. – Ferndale City Hall, Council Chambers

• Candidates will be available for an informal meet-and-greet with residents and community stakeholders. The public is encouraged to attend, ask questions, and share thoughts. An opportunity will be provided for those who wish to offer feedback for the City Council to consider during their decision process.

6:00 p.m. – Ferndale City Hall, Council Chambers

• The Ferndale City Council will convene a public meeting, during which individual interviews with each candidate will take place. This session will provide an opportunity for residents to observe the candidates and hear their vision for the City of Ferndale.

Earlier in the day, the candidates will also tour city facilities and meet with city staff.

This is an important moment for the future of Ferndale, and the City Council encourages stakeholders to participate. Your voice and feedback will help shape the leadership that will guide our city forward.