Devin Olson, who has served as Munising’s city manager since Jan. 20, 2014, has announced his resignation. In a letter submitted to the City Commission on Jan. 15 — just days shy of his 11th anniversary in the role — Olson cited personal reasons for stepping down.
Per the terms of his contract, he provided the required 90-day notice, signaling the end of an era for Munising’s leadership.
“It was the hardest decision I have had to make both professionally and personally,” Olson said. “I have been a member of our community for 11 years, and I have felt an overwhelming amount of support from the community and staff throughout the years. When I began my position as manager, I was the youngest employee in the city but was fortunate to be surrounded by an experienced staff whose combined municipal experience was not measured in decades but rather in centuries. The decision to relocate was incredibly difficult, as this has been my home for over a decade.”
During Olson’s time as city manager, he spearheaded several projects and initiatives that earned praise from city leaders and local organizations.
“Devin faced many obstacles as city manager,” City Clerk Sue Roberts said. “His approach was this: [determining] what we need to do and finding a way to make it happen. Devin’s leadership helped the city crews and city with many needed upgrades from infrastructure to labor contracts. He was able to work with many different organizations and people.”
She said Olson’s “sunny personality and go-get-’em attitude” were instrumental in achieving his goals.
One of Olson’s notable achievements was his work on infrastructure improvements. City Commissioner Rod DesJardins highlighted Olson’s early challenges: “His first year here, he had to manage a fatal shooting by a city police officer and then a winter so cold and with so little snow that the water mains began freezing all over town. This was his trial by fire, and he weathered both situations with a maturity beyond his years.”
DesJardins also noted Olson’s open-door policy and willingness to address concerns from all stakeholders, even when solutions weren’t immediately available.
Katherine Reynolds, executive director of the Munising Downtown Development Authority, emphasized Olson’s impact on securing critical funding, particularly for the $15 million M-28 project.
“The project included the roundabout, sidewalks/shareduse pathway, lighting, streetscape improvements and upgrades to city water and sewer infrastructure,” Reynolds said. “He has been extremely easy to work with — cooperative, eager and knowledgeable.”
Tourism also flourished during Olson’s tenure. Cori-Ann Cearley, executive director of the Munising Visitors Bureau, noted Olson’s collaborative nature and his concern for all sectors of the city.
“Devin’s leadership style is strong but flexible. He is an absolutely wonderful community partner and highly, highly valued,” Cearley said. “Devin, myself, Dave Horne [of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore] and several others have regular meetings where we discuss the intersections of our various pieces of the municipal pie and figure out ways to work together and benefit each other.”
Cearley added, “The thing that I think most impacted the community is again something that nobody sees, but the water and sewer investments that have been put into the community over the past 10 years are tremendous. The city has upgraded to modern pipes and has the capacity to grow now because of his foresight. We are now able to have apartment complexes, condos, hotels and new homes built because our water and sewer infrastructure can service more buildings and more people.”
Mayor Christine Berry praised Olson’s time, energy and commitment. “There are so many significant projects that it’s hard to pick just one,” Berry said. “His leadership was open, honest and transparent. He’ll be greatly missed, but we wish him all the best in his next unwritten chapter.”
Olson’s collaborative approach extended to federal partnerships. David Horne, superintendent of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, said, “I hold Devin Olson in very high regard; and as a local resident, Munising is a better place because of him. He has been instrumental in the city’s many improvements over the years to include a much safer roundabout intersection and upgrades to water, sewer and roads. I have personally enjoyed working with Devin, and I’m hopeful his vision of linking downtown Munising with Sand Point Beach with a multi-use trail is achieved. Devin has been a fantastic partner to Pictured Rocks, and he will be missed. With that said, I know he will be incredibly successful with his future endeavors.”
On the county level, Olson worked closely with the Alger County Road Commission. Manager Robert Lindbeck said, “Devin Olson has been a great partner in transportation planning and highway maintenance. The City of Munising and Road Commission have shared equipment and worked together on multiple projects. We have collaborated on great opportunities. As the city manager, he has promoted cooperation within Alger County. He will be missed.”
Olson’s resignation marks the end of a significant chapter for Munising. While his departure leaves questions about the city’s next steps, Olson has expressed his willingness to assist during the transition, ensuring continuity as the city moves forward.
His tenure is remembered for a series of accomplishments that positioned Munising for continued growth. “Devin made a difference here,” Roberts said. “We wish him the best in whatever comes next.”
