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Posted on Wed, Feb 3, 2010 : 9:02 p.m.

With new administrator in place, Washtenaw County officials ready to focus on challenges ahead

By Ryan J. Stanton

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners hired Verna McDaniel tonight as the next county administrator, ushering in a new era of leadership in county government - and a new style.

McDaniel, deputy administrator since 2007, replaces outgoing administrator Bob Guenzel, who is retiring in May after nearly four decades with the county.

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Verna McDaniel is congratulated by well-wishers in the audience after being appointed Washtenaw County's new administrator.

Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com

"There's no one to beat Bob's style in terms of being a community leader - he's an extrovert. He's energized by it," McDaniel said. "I've enjoyed working with him and, under his tutelage, I hope to be able to do my own thing in my own style. I'm an introvert. But at the same time, when I engage people, I am sincere and I want to make sure that the community knows that I'm going to work with them."

Commissioners voted 10-0 to appoint McDaniel to the position effective May 15 when Guenzel retires. Commissioner Jessica Ping, R-3rd District, was absent from tonight's meeting.

The board's resolution directs the county attorney to negotiate an employment contract with McDaniel.

Her current salary is $144,234. Guenzel earns $159,424.

McDaniel, 58, has worked for the county for the last 28 years, most of that as human resources director. As deputy administrator, she has served as the county's chief operations officer, directing and managing 35 departments with 1,400 employees and a $200 million annual budget.

Commissioners discussed a list of 2010 organization-wide planning initiatives driven by county administration that should keep McDaniel busy in her new role.

Commissioners also talked at length about the fact that the county finds itself in a very transitional period. As McDaniel takes the helm, and Guenzel leaves, the county also is saying goodbye to two other longtime county officials.

Finance director Peter Ballios is retiring after 38 years with the county, and Trenda Rusher, who has worked for the county for 26 years, is leaving her job as executive director of the Employment Training & Community Services department to start her own consulting firm in Washington, D.C.

County officials are contemplating a reorganization of duties. While the finance director job already is posted on the county's website, what happens when Rusher leaves ETCS remains uncertain.

"I'm a firm believer that we're going to take this county apart and we're going to put it back together again and that's what we need to do," said board Chairman Rolland Sizemore Jr., D-5th District.

The job description for the finance director position states the salary range is $73,846 to $116,758. The deadline to apply is Feb. 24.

The finance director is responsible for the preparation and administration of the county's annual budget and reviews proposals to the Board of Commissioners for financial implications.

The job posting states the county is looking for someone with at least four years of managerial experience and the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, public or business administration or a closely related field.

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Commissioner Mark Ouimet offered a report tonight on the county's retirement investment performance showing 2009 was a good year.

Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com

Commissioner Mark Ouimet, R-1st District, offered a year-end report tonight on the county's retirement investments in 2009. Ouimet chairs the county's Retirement Commission, which manages about $180 million in funds for the Washtenaw County Employees Retirement System.

Ouimet said efforts to turn around the county's investment performance saved about $5.5 million in the general fund.

"We finished at the 84th percentile of our industry peer group, which puts us into the group of elite as far as the kind of returns that we're getting," he said. "That means that 84 percent of our peer groups nationally are behind us in returns on investments. We're getting roughly about a 30 percent return on our investment this past year, and for government that is exceedingly good."

Commissioner Leah Gunn, D-9th District, who also serves on the Retirement Commission, praised Ouimet for his leadership. Commissioner Conan Smith, D-10th District, credited having a Democrat and Republican working together.

"I think it's important to have a Republican to make sure we make the money and a Democrat to make sure he doesn't take it home with him," Smith quipped.

Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.