Shane A. Horn was selected as the new city manager for Lakeland during a special BOC (Board of Commissioners) meeting tonight (8.20.18) at City Hall.
He will replace Jim Atkinson who announced June 14 he is leaving the position after 3 ½ years. Mr. Atkinson has accepted a job with Lakeland-based A2H.
Link to Livestream: https://livestream.com/lakeland/events/8338131
Mr. Horn, a native of Adrian, MI was the Town’s City Administrator from November 2013 until May 2018 when he resigned his position. He previously served the City as director of utilities and water plant superintendent, having been in the employ of Adrian for 26 years. Adrian has a population of 21,000 and operates under a council-manager form of government, said Mr. Horn.
He has been married 24 years to Michelle who is the Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement for Gleaner Life Insurance Society. They have two grown children, ages 22 and 19 who attend college in Michigan.
His selection was approved unanimously by all five BOC members as was a resolution for the City Attorney to negotiate an employment agreement.
City Attorney Chris Patterson told the Board he will meet with Mr. Horn and talk individually with BOC members to draw up a contract including a start date.
Mr. Horn was among three finalists for the job. Originally there were 25 applicants for the position. The list was narrowed to nine with candidates asked to send a video of themselves, sharing biographical details and experience. The top three choices were brought to Lakeland tonight for live interviews and a final decision.
Educational background for Mr. Horn includes an Associate of Science from Lake Superior State University; Bachelor of Arts from Siena Heights University; and Master of Public Administration, Villanova University he is currently pursuing.
Among his professional affiliations are International City/County Management Association; Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce Board member; Croswell Opera House Board member; Adrian Kiwanis Club and Habitat of Lenawee Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative.
Commissioners quizzed each of the three candidates, asking them to compare their current communities to Lakeland and their management styles.
In his remarks to Commissioners during the public interview process, Mr. Horn said, “This is a very good opportunity from a quality of life standpoint. He said Adrian is a built-out community with no room to grow.
Speaking of Lakeland, he said, “It’s almost like a blank canvas. To look at what lies ahead is very exciting.”
Mr. Horn said he will have a good rapport with staff. “My philosophy is to empower them to do their jobs. I’ll be responsible for day-to-day activities, but not need to know how to put our fires,” he said. “We have professionals to run those departments. I will not micromanage.”
When asked about economic development and planning, he said, “We are all sales people for our communities. Economic development is an all-day activity.”
In his short visit to Lakeland today, he said he was very impressed with the community, seeing the mature woodland areas and abundance of natural resources.
He was asked by Mayor Wyatt Bunker if he understood that the position is tied to politics and what was his toughest political issue in his Adrian job. He replied he experienced government politics when he was director of utilities. He noted that a developer had an idea for downtown development and the recommendation was to pull back and get the community involved. He said there was tension but his job is to carry out the policies of elected officials. “Whatever I can do to support you, that is my job,” he stated.
Link to Google album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/AjxNCqdVHWwMHLxE8
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents.
