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June 6, 2025
For Immediate Release
On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners met to identify finalists in its search for a new County Administrator. From a competitive pool of applicants, three candidates will move forward to the next interview stage.
The applicant pool included professionals from across the country with extensive experience in government, nonprofit management, and economic development.
“These finalists reflect a diversity of backgrounds and leadership styles,” said John Teeples, Ottawa County Board of Commissioners Chairperson. “We’re committed to finding a leader who can build relationships across our organization and community, support our staff, and help guide Ottawa County into its next chapter of service.”
With this, the following individuals have been identified as the top candidates by the County Board of Commissioners to proceed:
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Mark Eisenbarth: Eisenbarth brings nearly two decades of public service experience, currently serving as the County Administrator for Muskegon County, Michigan. His leadership has focused on financial stewardship, strategic planning, and public-private partnerships. During his tenure, Muskegon County’s unassigned fund balance rose from 14% to 27%, and he helped secure more than $85 million in competitive grant funding—including collaborations with Ottawa County. He also oversaw initiatives that resulted in over $1 billion in community investment and has successfully negotiated multiple collective bargaining agreements.
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Glen Salyer: Salyer currently serves as Deputy County Administrator for Lee County, Florida, where he helps manage a 2,900-employee government with a $733 million operating budget. He led the creation of LeeCARES, a $134 million COVID relief initiative, and has managed $1.2 billion in hurricane recovery efforts and a $149 million ARPA Recovery and Resilience Plan. His experience spans legislative policy, economic development, public health infrastructure, and municipal coordination, with over 20 years in local government.
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Michael Tremblay: Tremblay is a retiring U.S. Army officer and two-time Brigade Commander with over 20 years of executive leadership. He served as City Manager (Garrison Commander) of USAG Humphreys in South Korea, overseeing a $1.1 billion capital improvement budget and leading one of the largest infrastructure transformations in the region. Tremblay has deep experience in workforce development, municipal operations, crisis response, and strategic planning. His background also includes managing a $214 million operating budget and leading a team of over 2,400 employees across 280 locations.
Next Steps
A public meet-and-greet with the finalists is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm in Conference Room H located at 12220 Fillmore, West Olive. Residents, staff, and community stakeholders will have an opportunity to engage with the candidates at the event. Prior to the public meet-and-greet, candidates will interview with a group of municipal professionals and community partners who regularly interact with the County.
On Thursday, June 12, at 9AM, the Board of Commissioners will conduct in-person interviews with each finalist at a public meeting in the Board Room located at 12220 Fillmore, West Olive. Friday, June 13, is reserved as a carryover day, if additional time is needed for deliberations or follow-up conversations.
Once a final candidate is identified, Double Haul Solutions will coordinate a comprehensive background check and assist the Board of Commissioners with contract negotiations and onboarding support, if requested.
“This next phase is about learning more about each finalist as a person—not just a resume,” stated John Teeples, Ottawa County Board of Commissioners Chairperson. “We’re looking for someone who can lead with steadiness, communicate with intention, and navigate complexity with professionalism and care.”
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