The City of Hart convened on Oct. 6, 2025, to select finalists for the position of City Manager.
The discussion was led by Partner and Recruitment Lead with Double Haul Solutions (DHS) Mitch Foster, who outlined the recruitment process and presented each finalist to the City Council. Foster noted that applicants came from across Michigan and the region, representing diverse experiences in municipal leadership and community development.
After a preliminary review by the DHS team, candidates were presented based on their alignment with the desired characteristics outlined by the mayor, City Council and staff. These included skills in municipal leadership, communication, strategic planning, economic development and team management.
“The City Manager plays an essential role in shaping the direction of our city,” said Mayor Amanda Klotz. “As Hart continues to grow, we’re looking for a leader who values collaboration, transparency and community engagement—someone who can guide our organization through both opportunities and challenges with a steady and inclusive hand. Each of these finalists brings a unique perspective and proven experience that reflects those values.”
The following three candidates will move forward in the process:
• Connor DeYoung: DeYoung currently serves as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Ferrysburg and has spent more than a decade in public service with the State of Michigan. His work has included leadership in cross-departmental coordination, organizational improvement, and regulatory compliance. DeYoung holds both a Master's and Bachelor's of Social Work from Western Michigan University and a citizen planner certificate from Michigan State University. His professional background emphasizes community collaboration, team development and innovative solutions in public administration.
• Nichole Kleiner: Kleiner currently serves as Hart’s Interim City Manager and previously as the City’s Economic and Community Development Director. With more than 19 years of experience in local government, she has successfully managed numerous grants and partnerships, securing millions of dollars in funding for downtown improvements, infrastructure, and economic development initiatives. Kleiner has also played a key role in Hart’s collaboration with West Shore Community College to establish Oceana County’s first higher education campus. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing Hart’s community and business development goals.
• Samuel Demel: Demel most recently served as city manager of Purcell, Oklahoma, overseeing a $35 million budget and leading major infrastructure, capital improvement, and community development projects. He previously served as city administrator of Kiowa, Kansas, where he directed essential municipal services and managed an $8 million water infrastructure project. Demel holds a Master of Public Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Public Finance from Wichita State University and is a Certified Economic Development Professional. His experience spans local government leadership, strategic planning and intergovernmental collaboration.
Next Steps:
Looking ahead, finalists will participate in on-site interviews with the City Council on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2025, at Hart City Hall (407 S. State St. #1, Hart, MI 49420).
Following the interviews, the City Council will deliberate and move forward with contract negotiations with the preferred candidate.
The public is welcome to come in for a meet and greet with all three candidates Thursday, Oct. 23, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Hart Community Center located at 407 S. State St., Hart, MI 49420.
