City Manager

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• Directing the administration of the City government
• Appointing all department heads, with the exception of the City Clerk
• Preparation of the annual budget and a long-range capital improvements program
• Implementing the policies adopted by the City Commission

Strategic Plan

Jana Ecker Selected as Next Birmingham City Manager
Following an extensive recruitment and selection process, the Birmingham City Commission unanimously selected Jana Ecker as the next Birmingham City Manager on Monday, March 13, 2023. Pending the finalization of an employment agreement, Ecker will begin her new role when current City Manager Tom Markus completes his term on June 30, 2023.

“As a City of Birmingham employee for more than 20 years, Jana has demonstrated dedication to this community and she possesses a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills that make her an excellent candidate for this position,” said Mayor Therese Longe. “We are pleased that community members and city staff participated in the selection process, and their feedback is aligned with the decision of the City Commission. We look forward to a seamless transition.”

Ecker has more than 26 years of professional experience in municipal law and local government. Throughout nearly 21 years of employment with the City of Birmingham, she has served as Planning Director, Interim Executive Director of the Birmingham Shopping District, and her current role of Assistant City Manager. In addition to municipal government experience, she is also a licensed attorney. She possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning & Environmental Studies from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Windsor, and a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from Central Michigan University.

“I am very pleased to serve as the next Birmingham City Manager,” said Ecker. “Working in local government and serving our residents and businesses allows me to further my passion for community building, and I look forward to using my extensive experience and knowledge of Birmingham to lead the city in this new role.”

Ecker will carry forward many initiatives currently underway, including the implementation of Parks and Recreation bond projects and sustainability initiatives, securing a permanent location for the Next senior center, numerous infrastructure projects, and adoption of the Citywide Master Plan for 2040. The city invites the community to join in congratulating Ecker.