EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The City of East Grand Rapids has selected Shea Charles as its new city manager, a news release announced Thursday.
Charles, who previously served as Howell’s city manager for 15 years, was unanimously appointed by the City Commission on Jan. 14.
He will start in the new role in early- to mid-February.
Charles also has experience as interim CEO of the Michigan Municipal Services Authority and various other management and administrative positions in municipalities across the state during his 25-year career.
“The commissioners and I were particularly impressed by Shea’s robust background in municipal work and leadership,” Mayor Katie Favale said. “We are confident he will build on our City’s great work, lead us into the future and work seamlessly with our experienced staff and community partners. We look forward to his leadership as we begin to transition back to normal operations in 2021.”
Charles succeeds Interim City Manager Doug La Fave, who has served in the role since early 2019 following the retirement of Brian Donvan.
He was among six finalists during a national search that drew 56 applicants.
In his new role, Charles will oversee a budget of $24 million, lead a staff of more than 90 individuals and work with community partners to continue the city’s mission to provide a great place to live, work and play.
“East Grand Rapids is such a vibrant community, and I am eager to get started working with the team and jumping right in,” Charles said. “I am looking forward to getting to know the residents and the community and learning more about how we can work together to continue enhancing it.”
