BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Battle Creek has promoted two long-time city employees to key leadership roles.
Marcie Gillette and Bush McCarthy have been promoted to assistant city manager and fire chief, respectively.
Both bring decades of experience, deep institutional knowledge, and strong connections to the Battle Creek community.
City Manager Amanda Zimmerlin said the promotions reflect the city’s commitment to investing in experienced employees who have built their careers serving Battle Creek.
Gillette has worked for the city of Battle Creek since 1998, most recently serving as community services director since 2015. Her career spans multiple areas of city operations, with a focus on collaboration, service delivery, and organizational leadership.
She will succeed Ted Dearing, who will retire at the end of April following more than 30 years of service to the Battle Creek community. Dearing continues to support a smooth transition as he concludes with a decades-long career in public service.
McCarthy joined the Battle Creek Fire Department in April 2008 and was promoted to battalion chief in March 2025.
He also serves on the American Red Cross Southwest Michigan board of directors and the Calhoun County Medical Control Authority board.
McCarthy’s appointment follows an extended period of interim leadership under Police Chief Shannon Bagley. Over the past 18 months, the city focused on developing fire service leadership by allowing battalion chiefs to take on expanded responsibilities, strengthening the department’s readiness and leadership depth.
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