Malcolm Hankins hired as new Kalamazoo city manager

The Kalamazoo City Commission voted Monday, October 20, to hire Malcolm Hankins as the city’s next manager, selecting him from a field of four finalists after a months-long search process.

Hankins, currently an assistant city manager in Des Moines, Iowa, will replace James Ritsema, who has served as Kalamazoo’s city manager since 2013 and announced his retirement in February.

Ritsema’s departure prompted the commission to launch a national search with Raftelis, a municipal consulting firm that helps local governments recruit executive leadership.

Under Kalamazoo’s commission–manager form of government, the city manager oversees day-to-day operations and carries out policies set by the city commission. The commission is responsible for hiring four key positions: city manager, city attorney, city clerk, and internal auditor as outlined by Mayor David Anderson during Monday’s meeting.

Who is Malcolm Hankins?

Hankins has built his career around community development, neighborhood revitalization, and equity in local government. Before joining Des Moines, he held leadership roles in Aurora, Chandler, and Scottsdale, Arizona, where he directed housing and neighborhood services, launched customer service and blight-remediation initiatives, and advanced programs to improve housing stability.

In Des Moines, he has helped guide cross-departmental projects focused on inclusion, workforce development, and neighborhood investment, and played a key role in implementing the city’s Equity Framework and Toolkit, which integrates equity into policy decisions.

Known among colleagues as a “servant leader,” Hankins emphasizes collaboration, communication, and accountability as the foundation of effective city management. He has said his leadership approach centers on building trust between city staff, elected officials, and residents while ensuring operations reflect community priorities. Hankins holds a master’s degree in ministry from Phoenix Seminary and is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership at Drake University.

How did the decision unfold?

The city commission is responsible for hiring the city manager and delegated the search to Raftelis, which developed a candidate profile and led the screening process. The firm received 56 applications and presented four finalists for interviews: Hankins, Laura Lam, Odis Jones Sr., and Elle Cole.

Interviews were held Thursday and Friday, October 16–17. Jones withdrew from consideration Friday morning, while Lam and Hankins appeared in person Thursday evening and Cole participated Friday morning via Zoom after postponing.

After a weekend of deliberation and public feedback, commissioners reconvened Monday for discussion and a vote.

Following more than an hour of public comment, during which residents expressed their support for both leading candidates — majority for Hankins — commissioners shared their own reflections before voting.

“That said, I support her [Laura Lam] candidacy and will be voting for her — a female to lead this city. We’ve had one female in the history of Kalamazoo lead as city manager, and I ask that we have two,” said Vice Mayor Jeanne Hess, voicing support for Lam.

The initial informal tally was 4–3 in favor of Hankins, with Don Cooney, Alonze Wilson, Stephanie Hoffman, and Chris Praebel supporting Hankins; Mayor David Anderson, Vice Mayor Hess, and Commissioner Qianna Decker supporting Lam.

After the vote, Mayor Anderson proposed changing his vote to make the selection unanimous.

“I think it’s critically important for them to feel that they have not 4–3 support out of commission,” Anderson said. “It’s critically important for that person to feel that the commission is welcoming them with open arms and will make sure this work goes forward in a collaborative way.”

Vice Mayor Hess agreed, changing her vote, while Decker maintained her support for Lam.

“Mayor, I believe unanimity is probably the best way here, and I believe Malcolm will be able to lead the city with grace, so I will vote for him,” Hess said.

“I respect everyone’s decision up here — it was definitely a hard decision — but I will stand with Laura,” Decker said.

The final vote was 6–1, with Decker the lone vote for Lam.

Commissioners noted that both Hankins and Lam were highly qualified, and that either could have successfully filled the role. Several also thanked Elle Cole for her participation and said they hoped to see her continue in public service.

What led to the choice?

Many commissioners and residents said the decision reflected a desire for organizational change after years of internal challenges. While Lam, as the city’s current chief operating officer, was praised for her experience and institutional knowledge, several speakers said hiring an external candidate represented a fresh perspective.

“There’s a recognition that change has to come from outside the existing system,” one commissioner said during deliberation, echoing sentiments shared by residents during public comment.

Lam oversees the city’s daily operations and has spent more than a decade in Kalamazoo leadership, including roles as deputy city manager and director of the Foundation for Excellence. She helped lead the Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 vision plan and continues to guide major operational and equity initiatives across departments.

What happens next?

The commission has begun contract negotiations with Hankins, which they hope to finalize by Monday, October 27. City Attorney Aaron Leal cautioned that the process could take multiple meetings, noting that his own contract required several weeks of negotiation.

Commissioners contacted Hankins during Monday’s meeting, and he confirmed his acceptance and enthusiasm for the position.

Monday will be the last time this commission meets since the election will be before any further meetings, signaling a new commission. 

Watershed Voice will continue to provide updates as negotiations proceed.

Maxwell Knauer is staff writer for Watershed Voice.