Alando Chappell starts as the Grand Haven Charter Township Public Services Director on Monday, June 21st.
Chappell worked at the Lansing Board of Water and Light for over 18-years with his last 9-years as the Manager of the Water, Steam and Chilled Water Distribution.
“The Township has been searching since January for the best qualified candidate to fill the Public Services Director vacancy,” Human Resources Director Andrea Dumbrell explained. “There were 20 candidates that applied for this position and five that went through an extensive interview process while searching for a candidate with very specific knowledge and skills,” Dumbrell continued.
Some of the attributes considered when selecting the Public Services Director included:
- 10 years’ experience in municipal management and public works operations.
- A Michigan S-1 Water Distribution License.
- A Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, public administration, or closely related field; and,
- A collaborative leadership style with exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain a deep level of trust and respect with Township management, department staff, and neighboring municipalities.
“Chappell was the unanimous choice of the Selection Committee members and his references spoke highly of Chappell’s interpersonal skills, leadership, setting and meeting goals, succession planning and giving back to the Community,” Dumbrell said.
“Chappell will be responsible to oversee and manage the largest segment of the Township′s budget, including Water, Sewer, Parks, Pathways, Cemeteries and Building and Grounds,” Township Manager Cargo noted.
“I hire smart people with great attitudes,” Cargo continued. “Chappell will be able to accomplish any task or solve any problem this job brings.”
The Township will be hiring 16 staff during 2021. 15 of the hires are due to retirements or staff making career changes with 1 new position added to the Department of Public Services attributable to the Township′s on-going growth.
“I'm excited to work with our team, Township management, neighboring municipalities and our customers,” new Public Services Director Chappell said. "I will strive to build off the outstanding work the team has already done, while bringing my skills to enhance our current process and help build our future within the Township,” Chappell concluded.
