Bob’s Update – Special Announcement

I have spent a great deal of my life, thirty seven years to be exact, working for Washtenaw County: twenty two years as Corporation Counsel and the last fifteen years as County Administrator. I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had as Administrator. With the support of the Board of Commissioners and the hard work from each of you we have built the type of organization that we should all be proud of - one that makes a significant impact on this community every day – a community that I dearly love.

I can’t deny that this year has been challenging, but we did it. The Board unanimously passed the 2010/2011 budget at Wednesday night’s Board of Commissioners meeting and for me, this was a tremendous accomplishment. I am confident that I’m leaving the organization with a strong foundation and I know that the Board will fill my position with an individual who will provide the leadership necessary to reenergize each of you for the work that remains ahead.  

Earlier this week I shared the news with the Board of Commissioners and today I called a special meeting of our Department Heads. Each time I share the news it becomes a bit more real and although I feel some sadness, I feel even more excitement about what this next chapter of my life will bring. 

I have always had the heart of a public servant and that will continue even after my time here at the County is done. In my mind public service is not something that stops just because you’re no longer paid for it.  My time at the County may be nearing an end, but as I begin to carve out a new reality I have found that I have more than one answer to the question: what’s next?  I’m happy to have been with you for all these years, and I’m happy with my work and the work we’ve been able to do together.  Thank you for making my time at the County some of the best years of my life.

Bob