Special Session Administrator Interviews (Minutes)

**Executive Summary**

**Meeting Overview:**
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a special session on May 30-31, 2024, at the Government Center in Suttons Bay, Michigan, focusing on the search for a new County Administrator. Chairman Ty Wessell called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. on May 30, 2024, and the session included candidate interviews, public comments, and commissioner discussions about the selection process. Notably, the meeting was recorded, and the video can be accessed here.

**Candidate Interviews and Procedures:**
During the session, several candidates were interviewed, beginning with Ahmed Abou-Ismail, who withdrew his application. Noteworthy candidates included Anna Nelson, Mark Justin, Kip Belcher, Michael Belsky, Tracy Byard, and Robert Reinshuttle. The interviews followed a structured format, with opening statements and alternating questions from commissioners. Following initial evaluations, a straw vote indicated which candidates to move forward for second interviews, with all commissioners present voicing opinions on potential candidates.

**Next Steps and Recommendations:**
The Board discussed scheduling additional interviews for the selected candidates and plans to prepare for reference checks and background briefings before the next meeting. A motion was unanimously passed to schedule second interviews for four candidates, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluations. The meeting concluded by ensuring compliance with public communication regulations during the interview process, with the meeting adjourned at 1:41 p.m.