Detroit

Kristi Troy Breaks Glass Ceiling as Howell's First Female Interim City Manager

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Published on August 13, 2025
Kristi Troy Breaks Glass Ceiling as Howell's First Female Interim City ManagerSource: City of Howell

The City of Howell, Michigan, has made a significant administrative change by appointing Kristi Troy as its interim city manager, making her the first woman to ever hold the role in the city's history. Troy's appointment was unanimously affirmed during the City Council meeting on Monday, according to a report by ClickOnDetroit.

In a statement obtained by CBS Detroit, Howell Mayor Robert Ellis expressed his support for Troy, "Kristi Troy brings both passion and proven expertise to the role of city manager, having shown her capabilities as Howell's planning administrator, and during the past six months as deputy city manager." Troy is set to immediately start overseeing the city's operations, with the agenda to implement policies and goals set by the city council and to synergistically work with staff and the Howell community. Her career began in municipal government back in 1996 as a clerk in Canton Township.

Troy's background includes extensive experience in municipal administration, finance, community engagement, and strategic planning. Having served Howell as Planning and Zoning Administrator since 2022, she was an integral figure in developing an award-winning master plan for the city, as well as streamlining processes by bringing trade permits into Howell’s building department. These changes are aimed at making the city more accessible as a "one-stop-shop" for these services, as noted by WHMI.

The City Council of Howell is set to begin a comprehensive search for a permanent city manager in the fall of 2025. While Troy may hold the position temporarily, her impact could be lasting as the city navigates its next phase of progress. "Her vision for Howell aligns with our community's values and aspirations to grow and inspire. I look forward to working closely with her during the final months of my tenure as mayor, as we continue to make Howell a wonderful place to live, work, and visit," Mayor Ellis told CBS Detroit.

Troy's personal life, as shared in various announcements, includes a 33-year marriage with her husband, Mike, with whom she has two daughters, Stephanie and Kaitlin, and two boxers, Maggie and Charlie. An outdoor enthusiast, Troy particularly enjoys golfing at the numerous courses across Michigan. Howell residents and stakeholders are actively invited to welcome Kristi Troy as she embarks on her trailblazing role, contributing to the city's ongoing trajectory towards a more inclusive and efficiently governed community.