East Grand Rapids, Michigan, March 13, 2019 – The City of East Grand Rapids today announced its city manager candidate, Emmanuel Toribio, has decided to decline the City’s offer of employment. The City Commission will appoint Assistant City Manager Doug LaFave to the role of interim city manager.
Toribio, who is currently the assistant director of facilities planning and management at Drake University in Des Moines, accepted the role in early February. The City Commission collaborated with the Michigan Municipal League to develop and refine a city manager replacement process, including a pre-screening, public open house and interviews.
“After more reflection and soul searching, I determined moving to Michigan was not the best option for my young family at this time,” Toribio said. “I appreciate the City Commission’s offer and truly enjoyed getting to know the residents and staff of East Grand Rapids.”
LaFave has served in his leadership role in East Grand Rapids since 2014, overseeing the public works department, which is responsible for all the City’s infrastructure, including roads, water and sewer, zoning and building maintenance.
“Doug has been an incredible asset to our community during his time with the City,” Mayor Amna Seibold said. “His attention to detail and thoroughness have been critical skills in the planning for the many infrastructure upgrades the City has completed over the past years.
“We are fortunate to have a highly skilled, professional staff in East Grand Rapids. Doug is chief among them and we’re confident he will keep the City moving forward.”
LaFave will remain in the interim city manager position until the City Commission determines timing for a new search process.
For more information on East Grand Rapids, visit www.eastgr.org. Follow the City on Twitter @cityofeastgr and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CityofEGR.
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