Valarie Handy Named New Deputy City Manager

The City of Traverse City has announced the selection of Valarie Handy to serve as the next deputy city manager. Handy will succeed Deb Allen, who previously announced her retirement effective June 12.

The appointment by City Manager Benjamin Marentette "follows a national recruitment that attracted over 100 candidates," according to a city release. Twenty of those candidates met an initial screening, multiple candidates were interviewed, and three finalists went to an executive interview panel that included Marentette, Grand Traverse County Deputy Administrator Christopher Forsyth, City Attorney Lauren Trible-Laucht, and City Human Resources Director Kristine Bosley.

According to the release, Handy "brings extensive experience in public service, community investment, economic development, and organizational leadership" to the position. She "joins the city after a distinguished career with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, where she served in leadership roles supporting communities throughout Michigan. Her work has focused on strengthening communities through strategic investments, partnerships, grant programs, and collaborative solutions that advance local priorities," the release states.

Handy has "served as the acting head of a federal agency, and deputy director, leading cross-disciplinary teams, providing partnership-oriented, executive leadership oversight to approximately 80 employees," the release continues. "She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, a Sustainable Community Development Certificate from Duke University, and is both a Certified Economic Developer and an Advanced Facilitative Leader, credentialed by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and Michigan State University respectively."

Handy serves as senior vice president of Cherryland Electric Cooperative’s board of directors, chair of the Inland Township Planning Commission and a member of the township's Board of Zoning Appeals, and has served on numerous Traverse Connect committees.

"Key elements of our community-driven Strategic Action Plan include nurturing a thriving year-round economy and regional collaboration," Marentette said in a statement. "Valarie Handy brings an exceptional combination of public-sector leadership, regional knowledge, and a deep understanding of how partnerships and resources can help communities thrive. Valarie’s experience working with communities across Michigan, managing complex programs, leading diverse teams, and building relationships with diverse stakeholders will be a tremendous asset as Traverse City continues to focus on service excellence, strategic investments, and long-term sustainability.”

In a statement, Handy said: "I am confident that my experiences, including those related to regional asset-based community development, will bring value to the residents of the City of Traverse City. I am very excited for this opportunity to focus the next chapter of my professional career back where my heart lives, in the Traverse City region. I have known City Manager Benjamin Marentette for several years and look forward to joining forces with him to serve this community!"

Handy will begin serving as deputy city manager on Monday, July 13.