BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The field for the next Battle Creek City Manager has now been narrowed down to four.
During a closed session at its July 15 regular meeting, the commission reviewed the qualifications of seven semifinalists recommended by Strategic Government Resources and decided to interview four of them next month.
The city hired Strategic Government Resources to recruit and vet applicants for the position, which has been vacant since former City Manager Rebecca Fleury retired in November after 10 years in the role. Since then, Assistant City Manager Ted Dearing has served as interim city manager.
The four finalists are:
Larry Burks served as township administrator for West Chester Township, Ohio, from February 2018 to February 2025. He previously served as assistant city administrator for the City of Bellevue, Nebraska, from 2012 to 2018. Burks holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska.
Amanda Zimmerlin has served as city manager for the City of Clayton, Ohio, since February 2020. She previously served as assistant city administrator for the City of Springdale, Ohio, from 2016 to 2020. Zimmerlin holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and an MPA from the University of Dayton.
Matt Harline served as village manager for the Village of Villa Park, Illinois, from June 2022 to May 2025. He previously served as assistant city manager for the City of Dover, Delaware, from 2019 to 2021. Harline holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Washington University and an MPA from the University of Missouri.
Carl Geffken served as city manager for the City of Fort Smith, Arkansas, from March 2016 to December 2024. He previously served as chief operating officer and interim director of children and youth services for the County of Berks, Pennsylvania, from 2012 to 2016. Geffken holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Binghamton University and a Master of Business Administration, Finance, and Investment from The City University of New York.
The public is invited to meet the final candidates during a meet-and-greet Wednesday, August 6 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, located at 50 Capital Ave. The event will take place in the Atrium from 5:30-7:00 p.m., with candidate introductions beginning shortly after 5:30 p.m.
Each candidate will undergo a final interview with the city commissioners Thursday, August 7.
Comments