In military and organizational structures, the term "lieutenant" designates someone who is "second-in-command." Today, The Ticker examines some area lieutenants who have -- or might soon -- step into the spotlight as their superiors resign or will soon retire.

City Manager, Chief of Police
The recent resignation of former Traverse City manager Jered Ottenwess has drawn attention to the “lieutenants” of not one but two city leadership positions – city manager and chief of police.

On March 2, city commissioners promoted Assistant City Manager Penny Hill as Acting City Manager until a hiring process for a new city manager could be completed. While Hill initially faced criticism for not providing commissioners with enough details on Ottenwess’ absence, others defended the difficult situation in which she found herself under her superior.

Traverse City Mayor Michael Estes believes the city “has continued to function very well” under Hill, who is likely to return to her position as Assistant City Manager under the city’s next leader.

Meanwhile, Ottenwess’ resignation has also raised questions about the future of the Traverse City Police Department. Traverse City Chief of Police Michael Warren told The Ticker in February “if nothing changes, (my retirement) won’t be immediate.” Warren has been with the department since 1972 and served as chief since 2003, leading to speculation that retirement is not far off.

Two candidates appear likely to emerge for Warren’s position: Captain Mike Ayling and Captain Jeff O'Brien, both of whom have held diverse roles within the department. Prior to Ottenwess’ resignation, Ayling confirmed: "I am interested in the police chief position, and I will submit a resume to the city manager when the position becomes available." O'Brien stated: “That is way down the road and out of my hands. It's up to the city manager and commission."

An ongoing Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office investigation into the TCPD’s handling of Ottenwess’ case has potential implications for all involved. The new city manager will eventually be charged with appointing the chief of police.

Bay Area Transportation Authority
Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) Executive Director Tom Menzel confirms to The Ticker he’s planning to step down in the next year – and has already groomed two potential successors.

“I think it’s critically important for an organization to build bench strength, especially if you want to maintain the same culture and mission and vision for the organization,” Menzel says. “It’s part of your responsibility as a CEO to prepare for the succession.”

Menzel says he intends to give his board six to nine months notice before his departure to ensure a smooth leadership transition, including acquainting his two female internal candidates with the board and providing enough time for leadership to review external applications. “The criteria I was hired under is now dated, so they’ll need to update the job description to bring it into alignment with the new organization (BATA has become),” he says. As for Menzel himself, he stresses he’s not retiring: “I’m 70, so I should be, but I find it energizing to work for different organizations,” he says, adding he’s on the lookout now for his next project.

Dennos Museum Center
Another longtime community leader – this one in arts and culture – will also likely retire in the coming year or two. Dennos Museum Center's heralded leader Gene Jenneman has been director since 1988 and opened the museum in 1991. He has said his "intent" is to retire in 2015, but nothing has been made official. 

Northwestern Michigan College will no doubt embark on a search process for Jenneman's replacement, but one candidate could be seated just down the hall. Jason Dake, who joined the museum in 2012 as curator of education, is a trusted lieutenant learning about operations and programming from his boss.

Dake tells The Ticker, "I would welcome the opportunity to one day lead an institution like the Dennos... In the meantime, I'll also be fortunate enough to work with Gene and learn from his 40+ years of experience in the museum world...As far as the future is concerned, I plan on playing a role at the Dennos for years to come, whether in my current position or otherwise."