Municipal group praises city staffers’ DEI work

STERLING HEIGHTS — Two organizations that promote Michigan’s local governments have recently honored Sterling Heights leaders and staff.

At a March 19 Sterling Heights City Council meeting, the council voted unanimously to celebrate City Manager Mark Vanderpool and the city’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employee Council.

Those city workers recently earned a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Award from the Michigan Municipal Executives group, an affiliate organization of the Michigan Municipal League.

According to the city, the award honors officials who incorporate DEI into their communities in ways that help people of various races, religions, genders, sexual orientations and more.

The city lists 10 of its staffers on the DEI council: GIS Specialist Arewa Hussain, Civil Engineer II Nick Holly, Assessing Coordinator Victoria Willis, Parks and Recreation Senior Clerk Bozena Saladiak, Fire Inspector Tracy Davis, Water Service Worker Ron Pickett, Marketing and Communications Coordinator Marissa Russo, Firefighter Ashley Brouwer, Assistant Building Official Rick Thomas and Police Officer Lamar Kashat.

Mark Wollenweber, from Michigan Municipal Executives, congratulated Vanderpool and the DEI council.

“It’s really nice to see the inclusion of police and fire folks,” Wollenweber said.

When it was his turn to make remarks, Vanderpool said he is “super proud” of the city’s DEI programming, particularly its comprehensive DEI strategic plan. He credited that plan for attracting and keeping quality workers in a diverse workforce; providing chances for growth, development and continuous learning; “fostering a fair and equitable workplace”; and more.

“Our DE and I plan is also providing growth and development opportunities for all employees across the organization,” Vanderpool said. “DE and I is not just about our diverse group — it’s about all of our employees.”

Vanderpool said he wanted to accept his award with the City Council and DEI council.

“While I’m being recognized this evening, it really is our DE and I and employee council, our HR manager Kate Baldwin, the mayor and the City Council who have made our DE and I plan successful,” he said. “The City Council has funded the plan. They’ve been big supporters of the plan.

“And as we know, DE and I plans can be controversial for organizations and those who really do not understand the importance of a workforce centered on DE and I principles that have been highlighted this evening. And I’m grateful for everyone’s contribution to this good work.”

Councilwoman Barbara Ziarko praised Vanderpool because “you always make us look good.”

“Thank you so much for all the efforts that you put in, because we all reap the benefits of it,” Ziarko said.

Vanderpool wasn’t the only city official to recently get recognition from statewide municipal groups. In March, the city announced that two City Council members — Ziarko and Michael Radtke — got Level 2 leadership awards from the MML’s Elected Officials Academy. In order to get their certificates from the program, they had to earn enough credits. According to the MML’s website, the program lets its participants earn credits by, among other things, attending conferences and participating in leadership activities.

According to its website, the MML represents over 500 municipalities in the state, and the group’s mission is to teach its members and advocate for them.

Learn more about the MME by visiting mme.org. For more information about the MML, visit mml.org.