Berrien County’s loss is Ottawa County’s gain.
At Thursday’s regular meeting of the Berrien County Commission, Administrator Brian Dissette made the surprise announcement that he’s leaving county service, effective at the end of January. His new role will be in Ottawa County, joining as deputy county administrator, effective February 2.
Dissette said he had given commissioners advance notice of his plan before today’s public announcement. Responding during the meeting, Commission Chair Mac Elliott was supportive.
“It’s a good career move. With family considerations and proximity to home, it just makes sense,” said Elliott. “Timing is everything and when opportunities appear, you just have to seize the day. Just know you’ll be missed.”
“We are thrilled to have Brian join the Ottawa County Team,” said Ottawa County Administrator Patrick Waterman. “He brings nearly 24 years of local government experience that will serve the residents well.”
“I have long admired Ottawa County’s commitment to quality governance, innovative service delivery, and organizational integrity,” said Dissette. “I look forward to bringing my experience in county leadership, communication, cross-departmental management, and strategic planning to Ottawa.”
There’s no official word yet on the timing for Berrien County’s search for a new administrator. The assumption is it will begin, in earnest, immediately.
According to his county biography, Dissette began as the Berrien County Administrator on July 1, 2020. He is a South Haven native and earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the School of Public Affairs at Western Michigan University. He joined the county after several years experience in public service including city management in the communities of Watervliet and South Haven.
Dissette and his wife, Kelly Getman-Dissette have three children and reside in South Haven.
