BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The field of applicants for Battle Creek City Manager has been narrowed to three, and the City Commission will interview finalists next month.
The commission held a closed session during last week’s regular meeting to review the qualifications of 20 applicants recommended by the Michigan Municipal League (MML). The city hired MML to recruit and vet applicants for the city manager position, which has been vacant since former City Manager Rebecca Fleury retired last November after a decade in the role.
Since her retirement, Assistant City Manager Ted Dearing has been serving as the interim city manager.
The three finalists are:
Nathaniel Clark, who served as the public safety director and chief of police in Forest Park, Georgia, from 2019 to 2023, during which time he also served as interim city manager. Clark was the chief of police for the Fort Smith Police Department from 2017 to 2019 and deputy chief of the Investigations Bureau for the Albany Police Department from 2012 to 2016. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Pine Bluff and a master’s in public administration from Webster University.
Nathan Henne, who has been the city manager of Owosso, Michigan, since 2018. Before his current role, he was city manager for Springfield from 2013 to 2018 and town manager for Lake City, Colorado, from 2012 to 2013. Henne holds a bachelor’s degree in public policy and administration from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University.
Patrick Jordan, who served as the Ionia County administrator from 2022 until January 2025. He was previously city manager for Escanaba, Michigan from 2017 to 2022, and Wexford County administrator from 2015 to 2017. Jordan holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Grand Valley State University and a master’s in public administration from Western Michigan University.
The public is invited to meet the final candidates during a meet-and-greet Wednesday, April 9, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, located at 50 Capital Avenue5:30-7:00 p.m. in the Atrium from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Each candidate will undergo a final interview with the city commissioners Thursday, April 10.
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