Mayor McGinnis' appointments confirmed as council approves city leadership team

The Pontiac City Council confirmed a full slate of department directors nominated by Mayor Mike McGinnis at its Jan. 6 organizational meeting, providing the administration with an in-house leadership team to begin implementing early priorities.

McGinnis introduced each nominee, highlighting experience and the administration's goals. He presented Richard C (deputy mayor and information technology director), Joanna (Jo) Darby (communications director), Dr. Michael Hansen (community development), Robert Whittigan (finance director), Tiffany Cartwright (law director), Jack McIntyre (neighborhood services director), and Robert Birch (parks and recreation director).

Nominees described priorities for their offices. McGinnis said he had "made a lot of thought, a lot of consideration" in assembling the leadership team; Joanna Darby told council she was "ready to serve the city of Pontiac ... with integrity, efficiency, and most importantly, with grace." Dr. Michael Hansen emphasized an investment strategy focused on intentional, citywide engagement, saying the plan "has to be intentional investment, not putting all your eggs in one basket."

Council members questioned several nominees about management structure, compensation and departmental coordination. The confirmations passed by voice or roll-call votes; the community development director confirmation was recorded as 6 yeas and 1 nay on the roll call. The mayor said the administration will continue onboarding and report back to council as directors begin their duties.

The confirmed directors will lead immediate tasks including ARPA spending oversight, department reorganization, neighborhood services expansion and preparations for the city's youth recreation center.