New City Manager Takes Helm
George Lahanas started as city manager for Northville on March 6. The city has a Council/Manager form of government; he serves at the pleasure of City Council.
The City Manager’s Office provides general administrative services for the management of the city to ensure that all City Council policies and directives are implemented. Lahanas will coordinate the work of all city departments and employees. He is responsible for the enforcement of all ordinances and expenditure of funds in accordance with the budget and the City Charter.
Lahanas’ interest in serving the small community of Northville with 6,000 residents stems from the belief that “It’s a special community with a vibrant and lively downtown, strong neighborhoods and engaged residents. I look forward to building on those strengths that have made Northville one of Michigan’s premier communities.”
Lahanas was the former city manager of East Lansing for 11 years, and served that city for a total of 24 years. He noted his management style is one of empowerment and encouragement, with listening being an important skill. His work on complex developments in East Lansing through public/private partnerships made this experience attractive to City Council members, as new mixed-use developments are being built adjacent to Downtown Northville.
Lahanas holds a Master of Public Administration from Northern Michigan University, with a concentration in Personnel and Labor Relations, and a Bachelor of Science degree, cum laude, from Northern Michigan University, with a major in Criminal Justice.
He currently lives in East Lansing with his wife, Shelley, and two teenaged daughters, Eleni and Marina.
