KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo city commissioners have named the final four candidates for city manager.
Two of the candidates are from outside and one is from inside Michigan, and the fourth is from inside Kalamazoo City Hall.
Vice Mayor Jeanne Hess announced the names.
The most familiar finalist is current Kalamazoo Chief Operating Officer Laura Lam, who has the inside track when it comes to knowing the community. She grew up here, graduated from Kalamazoo College, and has experience in other communities as well.
Elle Cole is the acting city manager in Saline, Michigan who was recently passed over to get the permanent job. She has spent two-decades working in city government.
Malcolm Hankins is the current assistant city manager in Des Moines, Iowa. He is also a pastor and public servant with 35 years of experience in municipalities.
Odis Jones, Sr. is the former city manager in Missouri City, Texas, with 30 years of experience. He was fired from that job, sued, and won a multi-million-dollar for discrimination.
The four finalists have been invited to attend a meet and greet with the public at the Catalyst Center next Tuesday.
Hess says the interviews will take place at Kalamazoo City Hall the next day.
Commissioners received a total of 56 applications, which was whittled down to ten by the recruiter. Three of them dropped out before commissioners met in closed session yesterday and narrowed the list to the final four.
The final decision will be made at their regular meeting on Monday, October 20th.
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