Press Release: Ottawa County administrator's exit is 'bittersweet'

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 08/03/2021 01:10 PM EDT

August 3, 2021

Ottawa County administrator's exit is 'bittersweet'

Al Vanderberg, Ottawa County Administrator, submitted an official letter of resignation on July 27.

On August 27, 2021, Al Vanderberg will serve his final day as Ottawa County Administrator. Vanderberg began his tenure in 2003 and is the longest serving Administrator in Ottawa County history.

“This decision was bittersweet,” said Vanderberg. “My family and I love Ottawa County. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as County Administrator. Ottawa County is in a very strong and stable condition. I felt I could leave and accept one more major challenge in my career.”

Vanderberg accepted the position as Kent County Administrator/Controller and will begin duties there on August 30.

“From the County’s elected officials and judges through department heads and down through the employee ranks, Ottawa County is blessed with an exceptionally competent, dedicated and collegial workforce,” adds Vanderberg. “I am confident that Ottawa County will continue to provide top notch governmental services and be a leader among Michigan’s counties.”

“We will miss Al a lot,” commented Board Chairperson, Roger Bergman. “Al exemplified the best of Ottawa County’s values and did innumerable things to springboard Ottawa County Government into the 21st Century. We know our neighbor to the east will find his services extremely valuable as we have for the past 18 years. We wish them well. We will take our time to find the best replacement to open the next chapter in Ottawa County Government.”

The County is engaging in a national search to replace Mr. Vanderberg.

Media Contacts:

Al Vanderberg, County Administrator, avanderberg@miottawa.org, 616-738-4068

Shannon Felgner, Communications Manager, sfelgner@miottawa.org, 616-738-4672

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Ottawa County is located on Lake Michigan’s spectacular freshwater coastline where nature is cherished and protected. More than the lakeshore, you’ll find the people of Ottawa County friendly yet driven, working hard to succeed in charming downtown small businesses, at manufacturing hubs with global impact and on acres passed down from generations. We embrace creativity and believe that diversity makes us stronger. We resolve that our public services must be high-quality and cost-effective. We are innovative and never wait for someone to solve our problems for us. We are friendly neighbors chipping in, lending a hand and making sure you know Ottawa County is where you belong.

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meets the second and fourth Tuesdays each month at 1:30PM. The public is welcome and encouraged to participate. Meetings are held in the Board Room located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, Michigan.

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