– www.cityofhart.org photo
HART — The Hart City Council recently selected three finalists for the city manager position — Hart Interim City Manager Nichole Kleiner, Ferrysburg Planning Commissioner Connor DeYoung and former Purcell, Oklahoma City Manager Samuel Demel.
“The discussion was led by Mitch Foster, partner and recruitment lead with Double Haul Solutions (DHS), who outlined the recruitment process and presented each finalist to the city council,” states a press release from the City of Hart. “Foster noted that applicants came from across Michigan and the region, representing diverse experiences in municipal leadership and community development.
“After a preliminary review by the DHS team, candidates were presented based on their alignment with the desired characteristics outlined by the mayor, city council and staff. These included skills in municipal leadership, communication, strategic planning, economic development and team management.”
DHS was hired to provide search services following the resignation of city manager Robert Splane. Splane announced his resignation due to health reasons last May. Kleiner was hired as interim manager over the summer.
“The city manager plays an essential role in shaping the direction of our city,” said Mayor Amanda Klotz. “As Hart continues to grow, we’re looking for a leader who values collaboration, transparency and community engagement — someone who can guide our organization through both opportunities and challenges with a steady and inclusive hand. Each of these finalists brings a unique perspective and proven experience that reflects those values.”
The following is biographical information provided by the city about the three candidates:
Connor DeYoung: DeYoung currently serves as a planning commissioner for the City of Ferrysburg and has spent more than a decade in public service with the State of Michigan. His work has included leadership in cross-departmental coordination, organizational improvement, and regulatory compliance. DeYoung holds both a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Western Michigan University and a citizen planner certificate from Michigan State University. His professional background emphasizes community collaboration, team development and innovative solutions in public administration.
Nichole Kleiner: Kleiner currently serves as Hart’s interim city manager and previously as the city’s economic and community development director. With more than 19 years of experience in local government, she has successfully managed numerous grants and partnerships, securing millions of dollars in funding for downtown improvements, infrastructure, and economic development initiatives. Kleiner has also played a key role in Hart’s collaboration with West Shore Community College to establish Oceana County’s first higher education campus. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing Hart’s community and business development goals.
Samuel Demel: Demel most recently served as city manager of Purcell, Oklahoma, overseeing a $35 million budget and leading major infrastructure, capital improvement, and community development projects. He previously served as city administrator of Kiowa, Kansas, where he directed essential municipal services and managed an $8 million water infrastructure project. Demel holds a master’s degree in public administration and a graduate certificate in public finance from Wichita State University and is a certified economic development professional. His experience spans local government leadership, strategic planning and intergovernmental collaboration.
DeYoung had applied for the Shelby village administrator job last summer and was one of four finalists interviewed for the position. The Shelby Village Council ultimately hired Phil Morse as village administrator, replacing Brady Selner who resigned to accept a job offer as the Spring Lake village manager.
Demel was placed on administrative leave by the Purcell City Council one year ago after he was hired in November of 2023, according to an article in “The Purcell Register.”
The public is invited to a “meet and greet” with the candidates Thursday, Oct. 23, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the community center at city hall. Finalists will participate in on-site interviews with the city council Thursday, Oct. 24. Following the interviews, the city council will deliberate and move forward with contract negotiations with the chosen candidate.
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