Welcome to the City of Hart

October 13, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Hart Selects Finalists for its Next City Manager
HART, MI - The City of Hart convened on October 6, 2025, to select finalists for the position of City Administrator.
The discussion was led by Mitch Foster, Partner and Recruitment Lead with Double Haul Solutions (DHS), who outlined the recruitment process and presented each finalist to the City Council. Foster noted that applicants came from across Michigan and the region, representing diverse experiences in municipal leadership and community development.
How did the City Council choose the finalists?
After a preliminary review by the DHS team, candidates were presented based on their alignment with the desired characteristics outlined by the Mayor, City Council, and staff. These included skills in municipal leadership, communication, strategic planning, economic development, and team management.
“The City Manager plays an essential role in shaping the direction of our city,” said Mayor Amanda Klotz. “As Hart continues to grow, we’re looking for a leader who values collaboration, transparency, and community engagement—someone who can guide our organization through both opportunities and challenges with a steady and inclusive hand. Each of these finalists brings a unique perspective and proven experience that reflects those values.”
The City Council selected the following three candidates to move forward in the process:
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Connor DeYoung: DeYoung currently serves as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Ferrysburg and has spent more than a decade in public service with the State of Michigan. His work has included leadership in cross-departmental coordination, organizational improvement, and regulatory compliance. DeYoung holds both a Master and Bachelor of Social Work from Western Michigan University and a Citizen Planner Certificate from Michigan State University. His professional background emphasizes community collaboration, team development, and innovative solutions in public administration.
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Nichole Kleiner: Kleiner currently serves as Hart’s Interim City Manager and previously as the City’s Economic and Community Development Director. With more than 19 years of experience in local government, she has successfully managed numerous grants and partnerships, securing millions of dollars in funding
for downtown improvements, infrastructure, and economic development initiatives. Kleiner has also played a key role in Hart’s collaboration with West Shore Community College to establish Oceana County’s first higher education campus. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing Hart’s community and business development goals.
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Samuel Demel: Demel most recently served as City Manager of Purcell, Oklahoma, overseeing a $35 million budget and leading major infrastructure, capital improvement, and community development projects. He previously served as City Administrator of Kiowa, Kansas, where he directed essential municipal services and managed an $8 million water infrastructure project. Demel holds a Master of Public Administration and Graduate Certificate in Public Finance from Wichita State University and is a Certified Economic Development Professional. His experience spans local government leadership, strategic planning, and intergovernmental collaboration.
Next Steps
Looking ahead, finalists will participate in on-site interviews with the City Council on Thursday, October 24, 2025, at Hart City Hall (407 S State St #1, Hart, MI 49420).
Following the interviews, the City Council will deliberate and move forward with contract negotiations with the preferred candidate.
About Double Haul Solutions
Double Haul Solutions (DHS) was enlisted to provide executive search services for the Hart City Manager role which officially began in August 2025.
DHS was founded in late 2021 to help local governments tackle obstacles and promote vibrant communities of all sizes. This dedicated team of government consultants boasts decades of shared experience; each deeply committed to their craft. Offering a range of services which includes executive coaching and human resource support, facilitating and leading significant economic development projects, and offering interim management services. DHS brings a personalized approach and a wealth of expertise to every project they take on. Learn more at www.doublehaulsolutions.com