News Summary
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners has appointed Patrick Waterman as the new county administrator after a lengthy recruitment process. Waterman, who previously served as the deputy county administrator, aims to address key issues facing the county such as affordable housing and workforce retention. His extensive experience in local government leadership positions him well for this new role as the board hopes to establish a strategic direction for future growth.
Ottawa County, Michigan – The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners has successfully appointed Patrick Waterman as the new county administrator following a comprehensive recruitment process that spanned several months. Waterman’s contract terms are currently being finalized and are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The search for a new county administrator had proven to be challenging for the board. They initially attempted to fill the role in June 2025, but their efforts were thwarted when three finalists withdrew from consideration. In November 2024, the situation repeated itself, as two additional finalists also exited the race. In a more recent effort, the board revealed five finalists, including Waterman, on September 5, having narrowed their choices from an initial pool of 58 applicants on August 26.
Currently serving as the deputy city manager for the City of Wyoming, Waterman has considerable experience managing multiple departments within a municipality that boasts a population of over 77,000 residents and an annual budget of approximately $181 million. His background also includes a stint as Ottawa County’s deputy county administrator until he resigned on August 4, 2023, citing concerns over leadership. Furthermore, he has previously held the position of city manager in Hudsonville, where he was involved in downtown revitalization efforts and housing initiatives.
With over 23 years of local government leadership under his belt and more than three decades in planning and community development, Waterman’s experience encompasses essential areas such as strategic planning, economic development, capital improvement planning, and public finance. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University, along with a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from Michigan State University. Additionally, Waterman is an active member of the International City/County Management Association and serves on the Board of Directors for Michigan Municipal Executives.
Waterman has identified several priorities for his tenure, focusing on community reconnection, sustainable growth management, and strategic planning. He has also highlighted key challenges facing Ottawa County, including the need for affordable housing, workforce retention, and effective groundwater stewardship.
The board’s decision to appoint Waterman was met with a split vote, passing with 7 votes in favor and 4 against. Commissioners opposed to Waterman’s selection recommended Matthew Farrar, the current deputy administrator in Muskegon County. This appointment has raised some concerns among community members, as critics argue that the lack of diversity along with limited equity and inclusion policies were significant factors influencing the decision. However, commissioners who support Waterman believe that any opposition among their peers will diminish over time.
Since early 2024, former Sheriff Gary Rosema has been fulfilling the responsibilities of interim county administrator following a vacancy that lasted 18 months. With Waterman’s appointment, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners aims to not only fill this critical leadership role but also to set a forward trajectory for addressing the various issues facing the county.
Waterman’s start date is expected to be confirmed once the details of his contract are finalized, bringing a crucial resolution to the prolonged search for a new county administrator. His experience and strategic outlook make him poised to guide Ottawa County through its next phases of development and governance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WZZM 13 News
- Wikipedia: Ottawa County, Michigan
- WoodTV
- Google Search: Ottawa County administrator
- Fox 17 Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ottawa County
- Grand Haven Tribune
- Google News: Patrick Waterman
- Holland Sentinel
- MLive
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