Commissioners still waiting to pick head hunting firm in search for new Kalamazoo County Administrator

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – There will be another delay in Kalamazoo County’s search for a new Administrator.

This time it’s a short one.

The Board of Commissioners was expected to pick between two executive head hunting firms Tuesday night after interviewing representatives from the two groups, but they forgot one basic thing. No one checked their candidate’s references.

Commissioners grilled both groups about their experience, their techniques and what they would get for their money.

They were ready to take a vote when Commissioner Fran Gruder-Melgar asked if they had done all their due-diligence. When asked, administrator Lisa Henthorn confirmed that references had not been checked.

The board seemed to be leaning toward GOV HR USA, which is based in Chicago, but the vote has been delayed until their next regular board meeting Tuesday. By then references for both firms will have been checked and a report prepared.

Their current timetable calls for a new administrator to be hired by the end of February.