After wading through a pool of 47 applicants, Ottawa County Administrator John Shay announced today that Patrick Waterman has been selected to serve as the next Deputy County Administrator. Waterman’s contract was approved at the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meeting on September 27.

“We are thrilled to have Patrick join the Ottawa County Team,” said Shay. “His many years in city management, community development and municipal planning will serve the residents well.”

Waterman has been a resident and public servant of Ottawa County for over twenty years. He and his family currently reside in the City of Hudsonville where he has served as City Manager since 2010. During his time there, Waterman led the city’s efforts to revitalize their downtown and expand pedestrian connectivity. He was instrumental in the completion of several economic development and quality of life enhancement projects. Prior to Hudsonville, Waterman served as the Community Development Director for Grand Haven Charter Township for eight years. He also has over a decade of private sector experience, having worked for various municipal planning and engineering consulting firms in Michigan.

Waterman received his Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from Michigan State University, and Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University. He is a certified professional planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners.

“I am very excited to begin this next chapter of my career,” said Waterman. “I have a tremendous amount of admiration and respect for Ottawa County. Their reputation as a model of efficiency, collaboration, and innovation is recognized statewide, traits that can only be attributed to the county’s exceptional leadership and capable team of dedicated employees.

It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve the wonderful community of Hudsonville these past twelve years. I now look forward to the opportunity to take on new challenges and serve at the county level.”

Patrick Waterman will fill the position vacated when John Shay was promoted to County Administrator in March of 2022. The Deputy County Administrator position pays $158,000 per year and Waterman will take his post on November 21.