VAN BUREN COUNTY
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR SEARCH
“Van Buren County welcomes your interest in serving as our next County Administrator. Van Buren County is well known for South Haven’s sandy Lake Michigan shoreline, the region’s amazing blueberry crop to the famous grape stomping in Paw Paw. Our location in Southwest Michigan is the perfect blend of unparalleled sunsets, rich agriculture and an abundance of recreational opportunities.”
Randall Peat, Chairperson Van Buren County Board of Commissioners
VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
§ POPULATION 75,677 § SIZE 611 sq. miles § FULL-TIME STAFF 272 § TOTAL ANNUAL BUDGET $80,000,000 § TOTAL GENERAL FUND BUDGET $25,000,000 § SALARY RANGE $135,000 - $142,000
WELCOME TO VAN BUREN COUNTY
“A PARADISE OF WATERFRONT AND LOCAL FRUIT MARKETS”
Named after President Martin Van Buren, Van Buren County, (population 75,677) seeks a leader who will serve the county with distinction. The new County Administrator will oversee a staff of 272 and an annual budget of $80,000,000.
Located in Southwest Michigan, the county covers 611 square miles and is the home to dozens of inland lakes and the Paw Paw and South Haven Rivers. Van Buren’s residents are dispersed across four cities (Bangor, Gobles, Hartford and South Haven, seven incorporated villages (Bloomingdale, Breedsville, Decatur, Lawrence, Lawton, Mattawan and Paw Paw) and 18 townships.
Besides the vast waterfront, Van Buren offers a wide array of recreational opportunities. County residents and visitors enjoy the Kal-Haven Trail, a multi-use trail converted from the old rail line that operated from Kalamazoo to South Haven. The Ross Reserve, located in Covert Township, is a 1,449 acre preserve of coastal marsh. Locals marvel at the opportunities at the Keeler State Game Area, which is 400 acres of unspoiled terrain. Finally, you can enjoy 84 acres of vast sand dunes at the Dunes Parkway.
Van Buren County is a slice of Americana. The waterfront, the fruit belt and a quick trip over to Chicago. The new Administrator will inherit a community that boasts it all!
VAN BUREN COUNTY ATTRACTIONS
Van Buren County offers residents and visitors an abundance of recreational opportunities from some of the world’s best beaches to award-winning vineyards. Here is a snapshot of fun in Van Buren!
SOUTH HAVEN BEACHES
Annually, well over 500,000 people visit the soft sandy beaches of South Haven. South Haven offers beachgoers with seven different beaches to choose from. The North and South Beaches are particularly popular with concession stands, restrooms and play equipment. South Beach is the home of the iconic Big Red Lighthouse.
VAN BUREN STATE PARK
Located three miles south of South Haven, the Van Buren County Park is a must see. Home to one mile of sandy beach, high dune formations and a modern campground, the County Park is an icon. The campground offers easy access to the Van Buren Trail.
WINERIES AND VINEYARDS
Throughout the rolling hills of Van Buren County, you’ll find some of the state’s best wineries and vineyards. Van Buren County has a statewide and national reputation for producing some of the best blueberries and grapes. In fact, in September of each year, you can stomp grapes in Paw Paw!
KAL-HAVEN TRAIL
The Kal-Haven Trail is a 33.5-mile trail that offers picturesque moments from downtown Kalamazoo to South Haven. The former railroad bed is designated as one of the “Pure Michigan” trails because of its access to such high-quality scenic views. The crushed limestone trail is a favorite for hikers, bicyclists and snowmobilers.
VAN BUREN COUNTY
From the Lake Michigan shoreline to Bloomingdale’s blueberries, to the grapes of Lawton, Van Buren County offers “something for everyone.”
THE RIGHT FIT
The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners recognizes the importance of education and municipal experience. In addition to both, the County is focused on finding “the right fit” for our picturesque and welcoming County.
The ideal candidate will bring the following personal characteristics:
• Bring an easy-going personality that will remain calm when facing challenges.
• Listen first, respond second. Be a proven listener who will make Van Buren County their “home.”
• The County Board of Commissioners is focused on candidates with proven experience in managing a municipal organization.
• Bring proven leadership to the community with an open mind. Don’t be afraid to admit your mistakes. Build trust at all times.
• The County Board of Commissioners seeks a proven community builder with strong public relations skills. Be involved in the community, get to know our County and build relationships with the community through collaboration amongst all stakeholders, not just those in Van Buren County.
• Be visionary. Be able to consider long-term, big picture needs without losing sight of the details.
• Bring a strong record of financial management including budget development and budget management. Our County Administrator must have impeccable financial skills.
• Bring innovative ideas to the organization through tactical and strategic planning. The County Board of Commissioners is open to new ideas with a thoughtful perspective.
• Be a compassionate leader. As the saying goes, show them that you care, before you show them what you know.
• Bring inclusive, strong communication skills with a mindset to unite rather than divide.
HOW TO APPLY
DEADLINE TO APPLY: FRIDAY, APRIL 29 , 2023
To join the Van Buren County Team, please submit a cover letter, resume and five professional references to Frank L. Walsh, Walsh Municipal Services, LLC. Applications will be received at walshmuni@gmail.com. Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are requesting confidentiality as allowed under the Michigan Open Meetings Act.
Van Buren County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
