In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with newly elected North Muskegon Mayor Chris Nance to explore his remarkable career in public service—from international PR and White House advance work to senior roles under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger—and how those experiences shape his vision for North Muskegon’s future. Nance reflects on returning to his hometown, the community’s deep civic roots, and his priorities as mayor, including strengthening partnerships with the school district, enhancing communication and branding, improving local ordinances, and pursuing federal funding opportunities tied to the city’s master plan. With a strong focus on collaboration across Muskegon County, Nance emphasizes community pride, accessibility, and forward-thinking leadership that supports residents, local businesses, and regional prosperity. #MuskegonRising #MuskegonCounty #NorthMuskegon #LocalGovernment #CommunityLeadership #PublicService #EconomicDevelopment #MunicipalManagement #CivicEngagement #MichiganCommunities

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Roosevelt Park Police Chief Shawn Bride to explore his remarkable 30-year law enforcement career, from his early days with the City of Muskegon to leading a small but highly engaged department. Chief Bride discusses the transformative power of community policing, the unique collaborative spirit among Muskegon County agencies, the challenges and rewards of working in a smaller jurisdiction, and why service-driven individuals should consider a career in law enforcement. His insights highlight Muskegon County’s deeply connected public safety network, where agencies of all sizes work together to ensure a safe and thriving place to live, work, and play.

#MuskegonCounty #MunicipalitiesAtWork #CommunityPolicing #RooseveltPark #PublicSafety #LawEnforcementCareers #MuskegonRising #ServiceAboveSelf #LocalGovernment #PoliceChiefInterview #MuskegonStrong

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews county Emergency Manager Renee Gavin, whose 20+ years of public safety experience—including law enforcement, EMS, and emergency planning—shape her vital leadership role in community preparedness and disaster response. Gavin explains how emergency management identifies local hazards, coordinates resources during major events like the June storms, and collaborates with regional partners, state agencies, and federal programs to ensure Muskegon County is ready for anything from severe weather to potential flooding linked to upstream dam systems. She also highlights the importance of personal and family preparedness, local training partnerships, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps residents safe.

#MuskegonCounty #EmergencyManagement #DisasterPreparedness #PublicSafety #CommunityResilience #MuskegonRising #LocalGovernment #EmergencyResponse #SevereWeatherPrep #ReadyGov #MuskegonMunicipalitiesAtWork

Kathy Moore, Muskegon County’s longtime Public Health Director and its most senior employee, joins DJ Hilson on Muskegon County Municipalities at Work to share her 35 years of experience serving in wastewater, airport operations, county administration, and public health leadership. She outlines the wide range of services delivered by the health department, from restaurant and pool inspections to immunizations, communicable-disease management, maternal and child health programs, and community outreach. Moore reflects on navigating COVID-19 with transparency and collaboration, emphasizes partnerships with local municipalities and Trinity Health, and highlights the growing need for new public health professionals skilled in science, clinical care, education, and digital communication. Her message underscores that public service is a meaningful, long-term career with deep community impact.
#MuskegonCounty #PublicHealth #CommunityWellness #LocalGovernment #PublicService #HealthDepartment #MuskegonProud #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunitySafety #MuskegonRising

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Keith Townsend, a lifelong Muskegon resident and second-generation transit worker with the Muskegon Area Transit System (MATS). Townsend shares how MATS connects residents to jobs, schools, and essential services through fixed routes, ADA-compliant vehicles, and new on-demand “Go-2” ride services. He discusses modern tech upgrades like bus-tracking apps and QR-coded stops, explains fare options, and reflects on the vital role public transit plays in keeping Muskegon’s economy and community moving. The conversation highlights both civic pride and the importance of investing in reliable, accessible local transportation for all.

#MuskegonCountyAtWork #MuskegonTransit #MATS #PublicTransportation #MuskegonCommunity #LocalGovernment #CivicPride #Infrastructure #MuskegonRising #Go2Ride #TransportationMatters #MuskegonCounty #DJHilson #KeithTownsend

In this episode of Muskegon County at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Emily Morgenstern, Community Coordinator for the Muskegon Police Department, to explore how community engagement is transforming local public safety. A lifelong Muskegon native, Emily shares her journey from the Chamber of Commerce to public service and explains how her role bridges the gap between residents and law enforcement. From the Citizens Police Workshop to youth “pop-up” events and National Night Out, she highlights programs that build trust, foster understanding, and inspire future officers. The conversation also dives into the importance of grants, recruitment challenges, and how honest dialogue continues to strengthen police–community relations across Muskegon.

#MuskegonCountyAtWork #CommunityPolicing #MuskegonPolice #PublicSafety #CivicEngagement #LocalGovernment #MuskegonPride #BuildingBridges #CommunityTrust #DJHilson #EmilyMorgenstern

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Sarah Wilson, Treasurer for the City of Muskegon, to demystify how local government handles money—from property taxes to water bills—and how every dollar collected supports essential community services. Wilson shares her journey from private-sector accounting to public service, explaining the unique satisfaction of working for the public good rather than profit. She discusses the challenges of forecasting revenue amid new growth and tax abatements, the importance of empathy when working with residents, and the collaborative spirit among local and statewide treasurers. The conversation highlights the professionalism, transparency, and human touch that keep Muskegon running smoothly.
#MuskegonRising #MuskegonCounty #MunicipalitiesAtWork #DJHilson #SarahWilson #CityofMuskegon #PublicService #LocalGovernment #CommunityFinance #CivicLeadership #RotaryInAction

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews Dawson Romanosky, a lifelong Muskegon resident and automotive professional who now manages the City of Muskegon’s fleet of over 550 vehicles and pieces of equipment. From police cars and plow trucks to bulldozers and utility vehicles, Dawson oversees maintenance, replacement, and budgeting to keep city operations running smoothly. With his background as a master mechanic and automotive manager, he bridges the gap between technical expertise and city planning, ensuring reliable service for residents—from plowing streets in the winter to clearing bike paths in the summer. His story highlights the value of staying local, career growth in municipal service, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Muskegon safe, efficient, and thriving. #Muskegon #MunicipalGovernment #CommunityService #FleetManagement #PublicWorks #LocalGovernment #Michigan

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews Deborah Santiago Sweet, Community Engagement and Communications Specialist for the City of Muskegon. Deborah shares her passion for public service, rooted in a family legacy of community involvement, and highlights her unique role in building collaboration across city departments. She explains how initiatives like the SeeClickFix app are transforming local government by making it easier for residents to report issues, strengthening trust, and improving communication between citizens and City Hall. The conversation emphasizes the importance of neighborhood associations, cross-department teamwork, and innovative communication strategies that ensure Muskegon remains a connected, thriving community.

#Muskegon #CommunityEngagement #MunicipalGovernment #LocalLeadership #SeeClickFix #NeighborhoodAssociations #PublicService #MuskegonCounty

In this episode of Muskegon Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Detective Sergeant Nick Vander Molen of the Michigan State Police to explore his journey from Allendale native to leader of the Muskegon Major Case Team. Vander Molen shares insights into the intensive state police recruit school, his early assignments, and the collaborative formation of Muskegon’s Major Case Initiative—an interagency team uniting state, local, and federal partners to tackle violent crime and homicide investigations. Highlighting their 100% clearance rate in recent years, Vander Molen emphasizes the importance of teamwork, advanced technology, community trust-building, and grassroots intelligence in keeping Muskegon residents safe. The conversation also encourages young people to consider careers in law enforcement, underscoring both the challenges and rewards of serving the community.

#Muskegon #PublicSafety #LawEnforcement #MichiganStatePolice #MuskegonRising #CommunityTrust #MajorCaseTeam #MuskegonCounty #LocalGovernment #PoliceRecruitment