Berkley Narrows Down City Manager Candidate Choices, Invites Public to Meet and Greet Oct 1
(City of Berkley, orig. Sept. 17, 2024)
Berkley, MI – The City of Berkley is entering a pivotal 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 July and August, the City actively sought community input through surveys, gathering feedback from stakeholders on the desired qualities of the next City Manager. The City received 159 completed surveys, which included 776 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:
• Strong Leadership: A decisive, confident leader capable of guiding the city through challenges and ensuring strong governance.
• Effective Communicator: The ability to communicate clearly, transparently, and inclusively with all members of the community is seen as essential.
• Financial Acumen: A solid grasp of financial management, including budgeting and economic development, is highly prioritized.
• Community-Oriented: The new City Manager should deeply understand and engage with the community, valuing residents’ needs and preserving the city’s unique character.
• Innovative and Forward-Thinking: Residents are looking for a City Manager who can implement new ideas, think strategically, and lead the city toward long-term success.
After a comprehensive search, the Berkley City Council has identified four finalists for the City Manager position. The following candidates will participate in public interviews and community events:
• M. Jon Dean – Chief of Human Resources, Veterinary United
• Mohamed “Moe” Ayoub – Planning Director, City of Westland, MI
• Khalfani Stephens – Deputy Mayor, City of Pontiac, MI
• Crystal VanVleck – Deputy City Manager of Community Services, City of Oak Park, MI
Meet-and-Greet and Public Interviews
Community stakeholders are invited to meet the candidates and provide feedback during a special event on October 1, 2024. The schedule for the day is as follows:
• 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Public Safety Garage, 2395 12 Mile
o Candidates will be available for an informal meet-and-greet with
residents, city employees, and community members. The public is
encouraged to attend, ask questions, and share thoughts. Comment
and question cards will be provided for those who wish to offer
feedback or suggest questions for the City Council to consider during
the interviews.
• 6:00 PM – City Council Chambers, 3338 Coolidge Highway
o The Berkley City Council will convene a public meeting, during which the
individual interviews of 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 Berkley.
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 Berkley, and the City Council encourages stakeholders to participate. Your voice and feedback will help shape the leadership that will guide our city forward.
