By Michael Cain
I am pleased to announce that the Michigan Municipal Executives recently honored Kent County Administrator/Controller Al Vanderberg with the MME’s most prestigious award—the 2022 John M. Patriarche Distinguished Service Award.
The award was given to Al Oct. 19 during the MME Colloquium education session that took place at the 2022 Michigan Municipal League Convention in Muskegon.
The Patriarche Award was created in 1992 and recognizes members who have fostered representative democracy by enhancing the effectiveness of local-elected officials through innovative programs and excellence in character and professionalism. This is not an award that the MME gives out every year, awarding it only 23 times over the past 30 years.
In the press release about the honor, Al said, “I am honored to be recognized by my peers from around the state and humbled to have my name associated with Jack Patriarche who I knew and respected greatly. It is special to be recognized by your colleagues in local government who know the unique challenges we face and the high level of service we strive to provide to our community. However, this award is truly a reflection of the incredible Kent County team and the teams that I served with previously who work hard to make our communities prosperous, healthy, safe, and fun. I would like to thank the Kent County Board of Commissioners for their support. I have been fortunate throughout my career to work for and with elected boards and councils who were forward looking and focused on providing excellent services to their residents, businesses, and visitors.”
Al received the award for his 35 years of service to the municipal executive profession and local government management.
Al has been county administrator/controller of Kent County since August 2021. Previously, he served as county administrator of Ottawa County, MI; deputy county administrator/controller of Kent County, MI; city manager of South Haven, MI; and assistant city manager of Greenville, MI. Vanderberg earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan and Master of Public Administration from Michigan State University. He served as president of the Michigan Municipal Executives and Michigan Association of County Administrative Officials (MACAO), chair of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC) Board of Directors, and chair of the former West Michigan Strategic Alliance. Al was appointed by Gov. Snyder to the Michigan Municipal Services Authority Board of Directors and Executive Committee and was appointed by Gov. Snyder and reappointed by Gov. Whitmer to the Michigan Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission. He is also a member of the MI Department of Civil Rights Council for Government and Education on Equity and Inclusion, the NACo DEI Advisory Group and the National Association of County Administrators Board of Directors.
Al is a member of the adjunct faculty of Grand Valley State University where he teaches in the undergraduate and masters programs. He also writes and speaks frequently on local government management topics and issues.
As impressive as Al’s resume is, what is most impressive to me is Al’s heart and compassion to those he serves, works for, and works with. No matter how busy he is he will make the time to help all that he can with all the resources at his disposal. Al is so much more than his impressive resume. He is a complete and quality package of excellence in the profession and operation of government management.
Yours in Service,
Mike
Michael Cain
President, Michigan Municipal Executives
City Manager, Boyne City
Michael Cain has served as city manager of Boyne City since 2002 and has more than 38 years of municipal management experience having previously worked for Grand Traverse County, Traverse City, Fenton, Wolverine Lake, Troy, and St. Johns. Cain is a member of the ICMA and has been active with MME for many years serving as a member of its board and several committees. He’s also been very active with the Michigan Municipal League serving on several committees and is a past member of its Board of Trustees. He is currently on the board of Networks Northwest and served as the chairperson of the Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet County 911 Authority for several years. Mike is a native Michigander, born in Dearborn, then transplanted to Traverse City in 7th grade where he met his wife, Katherine. Together they have four daughters and a cat. You may reach him at mcain@boynecity.com.