Royal Oak Selects Thomas Markus as Next City Manager
(Crystal A. Proxmire, May 12, 2026)
Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak City Commission has selected the next City Manager – Thomas Markus.
Markus has has a long history of serving communities. According to Michigan Municipal League “Markus has had nearly fifty years of experience as a municipal official, serving in seven cities in five different states. He was city manager for the City of Birmingham from 1989 until 2010. Markus then became city manager of Iowa City, Iowa, followed by Lawrence, Kansas, until his retirement in 2019. He came out of retirement to return to Birmingham in 2021, serving as its city manager until 2023. ”
Markus won MML’s John M. Patriarche Distinguished Service Award in 2025 because of his “work to foster representative democracy, innovative programing, and projects and leadership through character and professionalism.”
The City Commission voted unanimously to enter into contract with Markus at their Monday, May 11 meeting.
Royal Oak Interim City Manager Niccolas Grochowski said that more than 70 people applied for the City Manager position. “Through that process Mr. Markus emerged as an extraordinary opportunity for the city… His career reflects extensive experience in municipal operations, financial stewardship, infrastructure and redevelopment initiatives, strategic planning, organizational leadership, and succession planning.”
He added that Markus will “help guide the city forward during this exciting and positive period involving substantial organizational, operational, infrastructure, long term initiatives currently underway throughout the community.”
Part of Markus’ plans include mentorship and leadership building to help ensure that when it is time for him to retire, again, the transition will be a smooth one. He did a similar thing in Birmingham when he came out of retirement to lead and pass on his City Manager wisdom.
“I am excited for Mr. Markus coming aboard,” said City Commissioner Monica Hunt. “He has a wealth of experience and s someone who is going to be able to help keep things moving in the direction we’re hoping to move here in the City of Royal Oak.”
Mayor Mike Fournier called the decision “a big win for the City of Royal Oak.” He also praised city staff for taking on more responsibility during the hiring process. “You’re inheriting an absolutely outstanding team,” Fournier said.
Commissioner Brandon Kolo said “It’s time we get fully staffed again and continue to focus on what’s important for the city.”
Learn more about the City of Royal Oak at https://www.romi.gov/
