WHITEHALL, MI — In a continued effort to engage the public and find a strong, community-focused leader, the City of Whitehall hosted a well-organized open house at The Playhouse at White Lake to introduce the four finalists for the city’s next City Manager. Attendees had the opportunity to meet each candidate, ask questions, and provide feedback via a QR code-linked survey posted around the venue.
The open house, part of a final stage in a competitive recruitment process led by Double Haul Solutions, offered residents a firsthand look at the backgrounds, values, and leadership styles of those vying for the position. Candidates bring with them a wide range of municipal, military, and administrative experience, with several expressing strong personal ties or interest in relocating to the Whitehall area.
Here’s a closer look at the four of the finalists:
Adam Kline
Adam Kline brings decades of experience in both municipal management and law enforcement. He has served as Township Manager for Oakland and Director of Parks, Recreation & Seniors for Independence Township. Kline is also a former Chief of Police and U.S. Army veteran.
At the open house, Kline emphasized his calm demeanor and collaborative decision-making style. “I like to talk things through,” he said. “When everyone has a voice in the process, it creates ownership and leads to better outcomes.” He shared his long-standing love for West Michigan and expressed a sincere desire to relocate, describing Whitehall as “paradise.”
Kline also highlighted his budgeting skills, having managed multimillion-dollar budgets during his time in law enforcement and township administration. “Budgeting is never done — it’s a constant process of review and awareness,” he noted.
Dustin Stambaugh
Currently serving as a City Administrator, Dustin Stambaugh has a strong background in public administration, organizational development, and strategic planning. A U.S. Army veteran, Stambaugh has also led recovery efforts from challenges like ransomware attacks and community redevelopment projects.
At the event, Stambaugh shared how his military background helped shape his leadership approach. “Taking care of soldiers was my job — now, taking care of residents is the same mission,” he said. He also pointed to his hands-on efforts in his current role, such as helping secure grants for blight removal and developing policies for long-term community growth.
Stambaugh is known for jumping into complex challenges and producing results quickly. “If I don’t know something, I’ll research it,” he said. He and his wife have already fallen in love with the community, noting how moved they were by residents investing in and restoring local properties.
Robert Near, Ph.D.
Robert Near is a veteran public administrator with executive experience in both government and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, he served as Deputy Director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and now operates his own consulting firm focused on fiscal management and strategic growth.
Near, a 15-year resident of the White Lake area, said he sees this opportunity as a chance to serve the community that has long been home for his family. “This isn’t about climbing a ladder. It’s about being present where I already live and helping this place grow in the right direction,” he explained.
He spoke about his focus on data-informed decision-making and community-first leadership, stressing that everything he does must answer the question: “How does this help our residents?” He hopes to bring both longevity and incremental progress to the role, maintaining Whitehall’s character while supporting its future.
Daniel Tavernier
Daniel Tavernier is a seasoned operations executive with more than two decades of experience in risk management, strategic planning, and multi-site leadership. His military service in the U.S. Coast Guard includes overseeing regional operations and large-scale budgeting efforts.
During the open house, Tavernier highlighted his comfort with high-level operations and complex budgets, having overseen funding allocations for multimillion-dollar missions. He spoke briefly about his desire to transition from a high-pressure, mobile career to a stable, community-oriented role — something he sees as a natural next step after a lifetime of service and leadership.
A Community-Centered Process
The open house was not just a meet-and-greet—it was a meaningful part of the city’s effort to involve residents in the hiring process. Attendees were encouraged to submit observations and feedback via a digital survey. The thoughtful format allowed for casual but informative conversations, giving the public a chance to engage directly with each candidate.
As the selection process moves forward, the input gathered from the event will be considered by the City Council in determining who will help lead Whitehall into its next chapter.
Stay tuned to the City of Whitehall and CatchMark Community for updates on the final decision.
