Patrick Waterman will become the new administrator for Ottawa County, nearly a year and a half after former administrator John Gibbs was fired. Waterman has local government experience, including positions as Hudsonville’s city manager and deputy city manager for the City of Wyoming. He previously served as deputy administrator of Ottawa County but resigned in August 2023 over leadership concerns, according to WOODTV.
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners voted 7-4 to appoint Patrick Waterman as the new county administrator. He was chosen over Muskegon County deputy administrator Matthew Farrar, who received the four votes from Ottawa Impact-affiliated commissioners. Waterman has more than 23 years of leadership experience and 30 years in planning, community development, economic growth, and public finance. Board Chairman John Teeples said, "but Patrick for me I knew what I was going to get and this county can trust that," adding the decision would "ultimately unify the county," as reported by FOX17. Waterman previously managed a $181 million budget in Wyoming and led revitalization projects in Hudsonville.
Waterman has been selected for a new role in Ottawa County government, with contract terms still pending. During the selection process, he spoke about community reconnection, housing affordability, workforce retention, and groundwater stewardship, as per WZZM13. Some Ottawa Impact commissioners raised concerns over his work with diversity, equity, and inclusion in Wyoming, while supporters pointed to Ottawa County’s lack of D.E.I. policies as an area for development. His appointment comes after the position was left vacant following Gibbs’ firing in early 2024, as mentioned by WOODTV.
