The Holland City Council has unanimously voted to hire Ryan Cotton as the city’s next city manager.
The vote culminates a process that began in the summer of 2011 following the retirement announcement of longtime city manager, Soren Wolff. Cotton received high praise from the City Manager Search Committee, which was appointed by the City Council to conduct the search.
“Following a comprehensive, national search, the City Council could not be more pleased or more confident with the selection of Ryan Cotton,” stated Mayor Kurt Dykstra. “The process delivered excellent candidates and superb finalists; however, Ryan’s knowledge, experience and demonstrated leadership qualities stood out. We are extremely confident that Ryan will provide the City of Holland with excellent, long-term leadership.”
Mayor Dykstra and a group of the City Council will work with Cotton to finalize the terms of an employment agreement, which will then be approved by the entire Council. No starting date has yet been announced.
“Holland is a model community in Michigan, so I am gratified and excited with this news,” added Cotton. “I look forward to working together with the City Council, senior staff and community leaders, to maintain Holland’s commitment to excellence.”
Cotton, who currently serves the village manager in Spring Lake, Mich., brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served communities in Michigan (Spring Lake and Grand Haven) as well as cities outside of Michigan (Montpelier, Vt., and Upper Arlington, Ohio).
Born in Traverse City, Mich., Cotton earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration from Miami University (Ohio), a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Kansas, and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from Western Michigan University. He also is a Michigan Certified Assessing Officer and a Credentialed Manager from the International City Managers Association. Cotton is married and has three adult children.
Interim City Manager Greg Robinson, who chose not to be a candidate for the city manager position, will remain in his role as assistant city manager when Cotton begins his responsibilities in Holland.
