Published on June 24, 2025
The Kalamazoo City Commission has selected executive search services firm Raftelis of Cincinnati, Ohio to begin the selection process for the next city manager to replace James Ritsema. Ritsema is retiring as city manager effective November 18, 2025.
Raftelis has offices across the U.S. and its recruiters have successfully placed managers in cities large and small. The search for Kalamazoo’s next city manager will be led by Pamela Wideman, recruiter senior manager for Raftelis.
The Raftelis process will include meeting with the City Commission and the City of Kalamazoo Human Resources Director, James Henderson, to discuss the timeline and process. Wideman will also meet with the Commissioners individually and as a group to understand everyone’s unique perspective on the desired skills and experiences the next city manager should possess. Wideman, in addition, will conduct meetings with outgoing City Manager Ritsema, the City’s senior leadership team, and other key stakeholders. The process may take up to 12 weeks or slightly longer to begin recruiting and receiving applications, and then identify a group of candidates to be interviewed by the City Commission.
The Kalamazoo City Commission will select the top candidate.