City of Whitehall Makes Conditional Offer to U.S. Coast Guard Veteran
WHITEHALL, MI – Following a day of intense interviewing on Friday, June 27, 2025, the
City of Whitehall City Council made a conditional offer of employment to Mr. Daniel
Tavernier to serve as the City’s next City Manager. Mr. Tavernier has over 15 years of
experience with the U.S. Coast Guard, most recently as a Director of Operations
overseeing regional operations that included over 200 staff and multiple departments
across multiple facilities. Mr. Tavernier stood out amongst three other finalists by, in
part, demonstrating his strength in strategic planning, process improvement, and his
approach to building a strong operational culture.
Double Haul Solutions (DHS), who was hired to facilitate the executive search process,
will conduct background checks and begin contract negotiations, supported by Mayor
Salter, Council Member Cabala, and the City Attorney as directed by the City Council. It
is expected that an employment agreement will be presented for consideration at a July
City Council Meeting.
“Whitehall has always been home for me. Now in my 14th year serving on the City
Council, I continue to care deeply about where we’ve been and where we’re headed. I’m
excited to welcome our new City Manager and to begin this next chapter together,
building on what’s come before, continuing to serve the community I love,” added
Council Member Cabala.
With Whitehall’s selection of DHS’ STRONGSTART Executive Search, the DHS team will
support the development of an onboarding plan, facilitate a goals/expectations setting
workshop with the City Council and City Manager, a six-month performance check-in, a
facilitated annual evaluation, as well as provide Mr. Tavernier with 12 months of
executive coaching with DHS’ Certified Executive Coach.
“The City of Whitehall has taken notable steps to support a successful leadership
transition following over two decades of dedicated service by the incumbent City
Manager. We will work to ensure that the City Council and Mr. Tavernier are provided
with the structure, time, and resources to help create an environment conducive to a
strong working relationship,” explained Nate Geinzer, Founder & CEO of DHS.
It is expected that Mr. Tavernier will begin his work with the City later this summer.
Mr. Tavernier stated, “I’m honored to serve as Whitehall’s City Manager and grateful to
the Mayor and Council for their confidence. Whitehall is a vibrant, forward-looking
community, and I’m excited to help make it a destination where both residents and
businesses can thrive. I am eager to work with staff and the community to build on the
City’s strong foundation.”
“I look forward to a new and exciting journey with Daniel,” said Mayor Steve Salter
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