Foster resigning as Ludington manager, going to WSCC

Mitch Foster

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

LUDINGTON — Ludington City Manager Mitch Foster has tendered his resignation and is expected to be hired by West Shore Community College as its vice president of administrative services.

Foster’s resignation appears on the agenda for the Monday, May 20 Ludington City Council meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m. A recommendation by WSCC President Scott Ward to hire Foster appears on the agenda for the WSCC Board of Trustees, which begins at 4 p.m. on Monday.

“I enthusiastically recommend Mitchell Foster, city manager for the City of Ludington, for the position of vice president of administrative services,” Ward wrote in a memorandum to the WSCC board. “Mitch’s selection is the culmination of a national search process that began in January. After careful consideration of his qualifications and experience, I firmly believe that Mitch would be an excellent addition to our leadership team. This confidence was gained not only through the recruitment process but also through five years of working with Mitch in different capacities in our current roles and witnessing his leadership roles and influence on various community boards.”

In his letter of resignation Foster praised the city council, city staff and community.

“Ludington is a remarkable place, and it has been an honor to work alongside such passionate and committed individuals who tirelessly strive to make our city a better place for all,” Foster stated in his resignation letter. “I am especially grateful to the City Council for their guidance and leadership, and to the hardworking city staff who have been instrumental in implementing our shared vision for Ludington. Their professionalism, dedication, and teamwork have made my time here both rewarding and memorable.”

Foster, 35, was hired as city manager in January 2019. He lived in Scottville, and attended Mason County Central Schools, from the age of 4 to 16, when his parents, Dave and Jody Foster, owned Foster’s Market. He served as village administrator of Winneconne, Wis. from 2015 until being hired by Ludington. From 2013 to 2015 he was the village manager of Kingsley. Foster graduated from Big Rapids High School and received a master’s degree in public administration along with a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from the University of Nevada, Reno.

“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the residents of Ludington for warmly embracing my family and me since our arrival,” Foster wrote. “Your support, kindness, and sense of community have truly made Ludington feel like home, and we will cherish the memories we have made here.

“I also want to extend my gratitude to our valued partners and stakeholders with whom I have had the privilege of collaborating during my tenure. Together, we have accomplished great things for Ludington, and I am confident that these strong partnerships will continue to thrive in the years to come.

“While this decision was not easy, I am confident that it is the right choice for my family and me at this point in our lives. Please know that I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will work diligently to assist in any way possible during this period of change.”

Ward stated Foster has a “proven track record of fostering collaboration, managing budgets, and implementing effective administrative policies positions him as an ideal candidate to lead the administrative functions of our college. Mitch’s experience in municipal government has provided him with a deep understanding of the importance of community engagement, transparency, and accountability, values that are integral to the mission of West Shore Community College.”

City council is expected to accept Foster’s resignation and the WSCC board is expected to approve Ward’s recommendation. The college board’s policy and personnel committee is also recommending Foster’s hiring. Foster’s resignation will be effective June 24.

Ludington City Council meets at the Ludington Municipal Building, 400 S. Harrison St. The WSCC Board of Trustees meets at the WSCC Administrative Building, 3000 N. Stiles Road, Victory Township.

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