Battle Creek Narrows Search to Four Finalists for City Manager Position

The Battle Creek City Commission has identified four finalists in its search for a new city manager, following the retirement of Rebecca Fleury last November after a decade of service.

After reviewing a pool of applicants, the commission, with assistance from the Michigan Municipal League, has selected the following candidates:

Nathaniel Clark served as the public safety director and chief of police in Forest Park, Georgia, from 2019 to 2023, during which time he also served as interim city manager. Clark was the chief of police for the Fort Smith Police Department from 2017 to 2019 and deputy chief of the Investigations Bureau for the Albany Police Department from 2012 to 2016. He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Pine Bluff and a master’s in public administration from Webster University.

Nathan Henne has been the city manager of Owosso, Michigan, since 2018. Before his current role, he was city manager for Springfield from 2013 to 2018 and town manager for Lake City, Colorado, from 2012 to 2013. Henne holds a bachelor's degree in public policy and administration from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University.

Patrick Jordan served as the Ionia County administrator from 2022 until January 2025. He was previously city manager for Escanaba, Michigan, from 2017 to 2022, and Wexford County administrator from 2015 to 2017. Jordan holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Grand Valley State University and a master’s in public administration from Western Michigan University.

Carl Geffken was city manager for Fort Smith, Arkansas, from March 2016 to December 2024. He previously worked as chief operating officer for the County of Berks, Pennsylvania, from 2012 to 2016. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Binghamton University and a master of public administration from The City University of New York.

The public is encouraged to meet the candidates during a community meet-and-greet scheduled for Wednesday, August 6, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, located at 50 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek. The event will take place in the Atrium from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Residents are invited to engage with the candidates, ask questions, and provide feedback to the city commissioners.

Final interviews with the city commissioners are set for Thursday, August 7. The commission aims to appoint a new city manager who will lead Battle Creek into its next chapter of growth and development.