Plymouth Municipal Services Director Chris Porman is a busy man.
Porman has taken on additional duties in his new dual role as assistant city manager/director of municipal services.
City Manager Paul Sincock appointed Porman to the new position as part of the succession plan which was listed as a priority in the formal 5-year strategic plan adopted by the members of the city commission.
Porman has served as acting city manager on several occasions when Sincock has been out of town.
“The city is really a 25-million-dollar municipal corporation and just like any private corporation it is critical to have a clearly defined succession plan for the chief administrative officer in the event of an emergency,” said Sincock. In addition to filling in for Sincock when he is out of town and being in charge of the department of municipal services, Porman will have the added responsibilities of reviewing the city overall administrative structure to determine if there are possible efficiencies or departmental consolidation or re-allocations that could lead to potential cost savings in the long term.
“As the city's budget continues to be squeezed by the Headlee Amendment and Proposal A, we need to be proactive in looking for additional ways to have our processes be potentially more efficient,” Sincock said.
Porman earned his master's degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, as well as a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University. He is active nationally in the American Public Works Association and was chosen as one of their Young Emerging Leaders in 2009. He has been a presenter at conferences and educational seminars, both nationally and internationally. The new title and emphasis on administrative structure will allow the city to broaden and enhance his administrative and supervisory skills, which is another priority in the city strategic plan, Sincock said.
In 2017 and 2018 Porman worked as a “dual” director of municipal services for both Plymouth and Northville to assist Northville during a transition period. As a part of his role, Porman wrote an extensive report on organizational observations and recommendations for the Northville Public Works Department, prior to the expiration of the temporary agreement between the two cities.
“This opportunity will present some new challenges to Chris and help with his continued professional development,” said Mayor Oliver Wolcott. “We're excited to see what he can do.”
Porman's appointment became effective May 24.
