March 24, 2022 – By a unanimous vote, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners have extended an offer to John Shay to serve as the next County Administrator. Terms of the contract including wages and other benefits will be finalized in the coming weeks.

Shay began his service to Ottawa County as Deputy County Administrator in June of 2018. Before that, Shay served 15 years as the Ludington City Manager and a as Village Manager of Almont for the five-years prior. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Boston College and Master of Public Administration from Oakland University.

Outside of his work for Ottawa County, Shay governs on the Football Field as an official for the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association. John and his wife, Carla, have three children.

John Shay replaces former County Administrator Al Vanderberg who left in July of 2021 to become the Kent County Administrator. Shay will begin his duties as County Administrator pending the approval of an employment contract.

“I am very honored to officially be named Ottawa County’s next Administrator and to lead a dedicated team of public servants, providing excellent public services in a cost-effective manner,” said Shay.