Driving Economic Growth Rooted In Public Trust

My journey in public service began after an internship in Walled Lake, Michigan, when I was appointed Village Manager of Lakeview at just 23 years old. Lakeview was a beautiful community that welcomed me warmly, and I am deeply grateful for the talented team I inherited and the steadfast support of the President and Council. The lessons I learned there, especially during the Great Recession, have profoundly shaped my perspective. Witnessing the resilience and courage of our residents during those challenging times left a lasting impact on me.

In 2010, under a pioneering shared service agreement, I simultaneously managed the Village of Lakeview and the City of Stanton. What started as a temporary cost-saving measure evolved into a nearly four-year commitment. Managing two municipalities at once was demanding, but thanks to dedicated teams on both sides, we succeeded.

In 2014, I returned home to Port Huron to serve as City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer.

Strategic Leadership During Economic Turmoil

When I arrived in Port Huron, the city faced significant financial challenges, including multi-million dollar deficits in both the General Fund and utilities. Additionally, over $140 million in unfunded liabilities threatened our ability to deliver essential services. We responded with a rapid financial turnaround plan—right-sizing government, reducing expenditures, and refocusing on core functions. Implementing necessary reforms to our pension and healthcare systems was difficult but essential.

What I am most proud of is the buy-in from our employees and the support from our community. Through dozens of town halls, roundtables, and one-on-one conversations, we ensured residents understood the challenges and became partners in our reform efforts.

Empowering Leadership and Collaboration

I am fortunate to work with an exceptional leadership cabinet— our department heads are true industry leaders. I rely on their expertise and judgment, striving to give them the autonomy and space to lead their teams effectively. It is a mistake to hire talented people and then disregard their insights; I am committed to fostering a culture where every voice is valued.

Strong Federal Partnerships

Port Huron is home to the third busiest international border crossing in North America, requiring daily collaboration with federal partners such as Homeland Security, Border Patrol, and local joint task forces. Together, we work to ensure security and address emerging threats.

Economically, Port Huron and St. Clair County conduct over $400 million in annual trade with our Canadian partners. Our economies are deeply interconnected, and Port Huron’s status as a federally recognized International Trade Zone reflects this. I regularly meet with international counterparts to maintain strong relations and promote mutual prosperity.