Frank Walsh
“The Leaders and Best”
As I reflect on our profession, and the upcoming National Championship game, I’m reminded of the Michigan fight song that includes those four revered words “The Leaders and Best.” Although I’m not a Wolverine, and I went to school in the state south of here, I’m reminded of these four powerful words and how they mirror the members of the MME.
Pause for a moment and consider what we sign up for every day.
We are responsible for making sure the paramedics and/or firefighters arrive trained and ready to provide life support; the community’s police officer staffing levels are maintained to provide public safety; the water we provide is available 24/7 with no imperfections; the elections are free of errors; the neighbor’s dog isn’t barking too loud; the neighbor’s grass is mowed; we can pivot between elected officials who don’t always see eye to eye; that if two downtown stores close at the same time the whole town doesn’t “go to pieces;” the family who simply cannot pay their water bill right before the holiday shut off period isn’t without water access; the overzealous developer who says one thing and does another doesn’t get away with it; the angry resident who wants to challenge their tax assessment is heard; effective communication takes place with your staff, elected officials, appointed officials, residents, and the press; the citizen petition to stop the extension of a pathway because it will cause “traffic and safety issues” is handled; and you take that call from a resident who believes that their entire tax bill goes directly into your municipality’s coffers.
What we do matters. What we do impacts lives. What we do is difficult and meaningful at the same time. Whether we are talking about police, fire, roads, parks, downtown, code enforcement or economic development, the members of MME are “the leaders and best.”
I wish you a healthy and rewarding 2024.
Frank Walsh
Chair, Member Success Committee
Manager, Meridian Charter Township
At the age of 19, Frank Walsh was elected as a trustee of Henrietta Township. After six years in public office, Frank went on to pursue a career in municipal management. The Cedar Springs City Council appointed Frank as their city manager in 1991. He was then hired by the St. Joseph City Commission in 1996 and served the residents of St. Joseph for 17 years. In 2007, Walsh was awarded the State of Michigan’s City Manager Award, the highest award given in municipal management. He became the Meridian Township manager in 2013. Over his decade of service, the township has established a new 10-year local road program, greatly improved maintenance of its facilities and assets, fully funded the township OPEB system, established a plan to fully fund its pension system, and nearly tripled its fund balance. He has also led the township through numerous challenges, including the 2013 ice storm that left thousands without power for many days. He has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Toledo and a bachelor’s of science degree from Grand Valley State University. Volunteerism Member and former president of the Haslett-Okemos Rotary Club, Walsh lives in Meridian Township (Okemos) with his wife, Shar. They recently celebrated their 30th anniversary and raised three children together: Casey, Mersadie, and Brooke.