MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — There’s a new city manager in the University City. Paul Brake of of Laingsburg, Mich., was hired for the job Monday, Morgantown City Council announced.
Brake, according to a news release from the city, “brings 20 years of leadership experience in varying levels of local governments in Michigan”.
Brake had been a city manager in Grand Blanc View Michigan. He left that position to work for SAFEbuilt, a company that partners with communities on projects to address budget, customer service or development needs.
Brake also has more than a decade of experience as a former assistant township manager in Michigan.
“I think his experience in Michigan, all his different experience on several different levels, as a previous city manager and that he has a lot economic development experience is a real plus for our city,” Shamberger added.
Brake will begin the position Feb. 8.
He replaces former Morgantown City Manager Jeff Mikorski, who accepted a city manager position in Verona, Wisconsin, in August 2016.
Morgantown Council hired search firm GovHR USA in September for $22,000 to coordinate a national search for city manager candidates.
On Jan. 7, council hosted a meet-and-greet for the public to get to meet the six finalists. That weekend, council and department head members also interviewed the men.
“I mean this has taken a real conscientious effort by staff, by council, and we just appreciate all the input we’ve gotten and the support from the community,” Shamberger shared. “And we hope people stand behind him because we think we have one of the best.”
Brake earned an undergraduate degree in labor relations at Grand Valley State College.
He earned a master’s degree in public administration with an emphasis in financial and personnel administration from Western Michigan University.
As city manager, Brake will oversee a staff of more than 234 employees.
The new Morgantown City Manager holds certificates and credentials from the International City/County Management Association and the Senior Executive Institute at University of Virginia.
More than 50 people applied for the position.
Assistant City Manager Glen Kelly served as Interim City Manager following Mikorski’s resignation.