GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — A city council meeting on Monday included a celebration for Grand Haven mayor pro tem Ryan Cummins, as he looks forward to the next chapter of his life.
Cummins became the interim city manager for Saugatuck earlier this year, and eventually he landed the job permanently. He's resigning from his position in Grand Haven to focus on his new job, and Monday was his final city council meeting.
Mayor Bob Monetza said Cummins has demonstrated "exceptional leadership, compassion, and a tireless work ethic in advocating for the betterment of our city and all of its residents." Cummins served the City of Grand Haven for nearly a decade, including four and a half years on the city council.
"I think back to many years ago, when I first moved into the city. Frankly, Grand Haven took a chance on me. I was on the city website, wanted to get involved, and I saw this thing called a planning commission. I had never heard of a planning commission. I had never heard of zoning. I had no idea what any of it was," Cummins said.
"So fast forward, there's no way that I'd be the city manager in another community without all that I've learned from the folks here in Grand Haven. [I've] met a lot of just fantastic people over the years, and that's really what it's about. There's a lot of people that have a lot of talents and give their dollars and give their feedback and engage with government, and I've learned from every one of those experiences."
Cummins said his job hasn't always been easy, especially considering what he called a "pretty tough" political environment.
"Just remember, we're all people. We all care about our community. I think it's important show a little grace here and there, and patience, at the end of the day," he said.
Cummins says he plans to continue living in Grand Haven and he will commute to Saugatuck for work. He believes the city is in good hands.
Applications will be taken through August 16th to determine his replacement.