New leadership in Grand Rapids City Administration aimed at community engagement and sustainability.
Grand Rapids City Administration experiences major leadership changes as longtime Managing Director of Public Services, James Hurt, retires after 32 years. Wayne Jernberg temporarily steps in, while Anabelle Wilkinson is appointed as Chief Sustainability Officer and Brandon Davis as Managing Director of the Office of Equity and Engagement. These transitions mark a pivotal moment for Grand Rapids as new leadership aims to foster sustainability and equity in the community.
In a significant shift within the Grand Rapids City Administration, James Hurt, the Managing Director of Public Services, has decided to retire after an impressive 32-year journey in public service. Out of those years, an astounding 26 years were dedicated specifically to serving the Grand Rapids community. This marks the end of an era, and Hurt’s retirement certainly leaves big shoes to fill!
Hurt has always been vocal about his gratitude for the time he spent in his role, and he has made a lasting impact on the community through his leadership in public services. His focus was always on ensuring that the staff members were committed to making life better for the residents. The heartwarming commitment of the public services staff has often been praised and viewed as a critical component in the community’s development.
As Hurt prepares to step down, city officials are working diligently to ensure a smooth transition. Enter Wayne Jernberg, the Water Systems Manager, who will be temporarily overseeing the Director of Services’ functions while simultaneously managing both Water and Wastewater operations. This is no small task, but Jernberg is ready to take on the challenge!
Meanwhile, the Office of Public Works and the Electric, Lighting, and Communications departments will come under the supervision of Assistant City Manager Doug Matthews during this transitional period. Matthews is known for his proactive approach and is expected to maintain the momentum in these essential areas.
In another exciting change, Anabelle Wilkinson has been promoted to the position of Chief Sustainability Officer. Wilkinson has spent the last five years working in the Office of Sustainability and has been acting in this role since June 2024. She is immensely passionate about tackling the pressing challenges that climate change brings and is eager to engage the community in finding sustainable solutions. Wilkinson’s energy and enthusiasm for collaboration are seen as vital components for driving Grand Rapids towards a greener future.
On the diversity front, Brandon Davis has been appointed to the position of Managing Director, overseeing the Office of Equity and Engagement (OEE) and the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability (OPA). Having served in an interim role since November 2023, Davis comes with a respectable reputation and a vision focused on enhancing diversity throughout the community and workforce. His role emphasizes promoting a culture of engagement and accountability, reflecting the city’s commitment to inclusivity.
As Davis serves as the Chief Diversity Officer for Grand Rapids, his involvement in promoting supplier engagement and creating opportunities for minority communities will be crucial for the city’s growth and development.
With these leadership changes in place, residents of Grand Rapids may be curious about what lies ahead. The combination of experienced leaders and new faces brings fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the city’s mission. While change can often be daunting, the administration appears poised to continue prioritizing the needs of the community and ensuring a sustainable, equitable future for all.
As the city moves forward, it’s clear that these new appointments will play a vital role in shaping tomorrow’s Grand Rapids. With committed leaders at the helm, the focus will remain on nurturing the community’s growth and addressing the pressing challenges that await in an ever-evolving landscape.
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