WYOMING, Mich. — A few months after being removed from his position as Ottawa County administrator, John Shay has been hired as the city manager for Wyoming.
On Monday, the Wyoming City Council announced the decision to appoint Shay as the city's next manager, after a nationwide search involving forty-eight candidates was whittled down to one.
“I am delighted to offer John the city manager position,” said Mayor Kent Vanderwood. “His well-rounded experience has prepared him to lead us into the future and work seamlessly with our staff and community partners."
Shay has dedicated 25 years of his life to public service. He's worked as the Almont village manager and Ludington city manager, and he came to Ottawa County in 2018 as the deputy county administrator before being promoted to the top administrator position in 2021.
In January, Shay was unexpectedly ousted as county administrator by a newly-elected Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, who then voted to hire former GOP congressional candidate John Gibbs. It was one of many controversial decisions made by the board that day, including the attempted removal of the county's top health officer.
However, the ouster didn't keep Shay out of local government.
READ: Ottawa county commissioners barred from firing health officer
"I mean, unfortunately, it's an operational hazard, I guess, in local government. But you know, the board there made a decision, they wanted to bring in an administrator that they perceived, whose values were more in alignment with theirs. And that's their right to do," Shay told FOX 17 on Tuesday.
After that, Shay said he found the opportunity in Wyoming and did his research. He said he liked what he witnessed. "What I found was, and watching some of the meetings online, very supportive mayor and city council, a very dedicated and professional, enthusiastic staff."
Meeting Wyoming staff on Tuesday was a "whirlwind," he said, but he's excited to be back at work.
"You're at ground level in local government, which is what attracts me to this profession," Shay said.
The City of Wyoming expects an employment agreement to be finalized by mid-May.
"We look forward to his leadership as we face challenges and opportunities together as a City,” says Mayor Vanderwood.
Shay follows in the footsteps of long-time city manager Curtis Holt, who served the city of Wyoming as manager for over twenty years.
