City Manager's Office
Our City Management team creates the spirit of the community while administering City services. The City Manager, who is the Chief Administrative Officer, along with the Deputy City Manager and Assistant to the City Manager, ensures City goals and objectives meet the guidelines set in their official guiding principles.
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John Shay
City Manager |
John McCarter
Deputy City Manager |
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John Shay, City Manager
John Shay joined the City in May 2023. Shay previously served as county administrator for Ottawa County from August 2021 to January 2023. Prior to that, he served in several roles as deputy county administrator in Ottawa County, city manager in Ludington and village manager of Almont. Shay has worked in local government for 25 years.
He has a master's degree from Oakland University in public administration and a bachelor's degree from Boston College.
John McCarter, Deputy City Manager
John McCarter joined the City in March 2021. He previously worked for the City of Pearland, Texas in a variety of roles including, Interim Director of Finance, Assistant Director of Finance, Budget/Procurement Manager, Budget Officer, and Management Assistant. Before moving to Texas, McCarter started his career in Michigan working for the Cities of Saginaw, Lapeer, Royal Oak, and Novi.
McCarter is active in the International City-County Management Association and Engaging Local Government Leaders. He holds a master’s degree from the Oakland University in public administration and a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University.
2023 Strategy Map
Check out the City's Strategy Map, which was developed in December 2022 as a guide to prioritize the work of the City and establish a means to carry out the City's Mission statement: Community, Safety, Stewardship.