January 6, 2025 - The New Year is bringing in new leadership to key roles for the City of Ann Arbor. City Administrator Milton Dohoney Jr. is announcing his recommendation for public services area administrator and is introducing the new Ann Arbor deputy city administrator.
City Charter requires City Council to confirm the public services area administrator position candidate recommendation. On Tuesday, Jan. 21, City Council will consider Dohoney's recommendation to appoint Jordan Roberts to public services area administrator. If confirmed by City Council, Roberts is expected to begin leading the public services area — which includes engineering, public works, water services and more — on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Roberts most recently was the process improvement manager with the City of Dearborn, Michigan, Department of Public Works (since 2023). He previously also held positions of superintendent, assistant superintendent and supervisor with the City of Dearborn Neighborhood Services Division, starting in 2014, and served as a budget analyst with the State of Maryland Department of Budget and Management, Office of Capital Budgeting, beginning in 2013. Roberts earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science and history from the University of Michigan and a master of public policy degree from the University of Maryland.
“We are delighted by the experience, expertise and professionalism Jordan will bring to Ann Arbor public services operations," said Dohoney. “His dedication to community, working as a team, sharp interest in data and his approach to efficiencies in processes and budget management will be an asset to this vital area of our city organization."
Dohoney also recognizes, with appreciation, the leadership Sue McCormick has provided in the public services area administrator interim role since April 2024.
The city will welcome another new addition to its leadership team. On March 10, Mariah Walton will join Ann Arbor as the new deputy city administrator. Walton comes to the City of Ann Arbor after serving in the roles of city manager, director of personnel and city clerk with the City of Eastpointe, Michigan, since 2020. She also previously served as circuit court clerk for Kent County Circuit Court in Grand Rapids, Michigan (2016–2020), and as a foster care case manager with Wellspring Lutheran Services, also in Grand Rapids (2015–2016). Walton earned a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University and a master of public administration degree from Grand Valley State University. Her professional affiliations include active memberships with the Eastpointe-Roseville Chamber of Commerce (board of directors), South Macomb Oakland Regional Services Authority (vice chair), Michigan Municipal Executives (including on the diversity equity and inclusion committee), and Society for Human Resource Management (both Detroit and national chapters).
“We needed someone with a great understanding of the functionality of municipal government, a deputy city administrator with the keen ability to nurture and build relationships in the community and to promote the effectiveness of our city services is essential," said Dohoney, “and that is exactly what I'm confident Mariah will excel at, alongside our devoted team in Ann Arbor. I also wanted someone who would mesh with my leadership style. We are fortunate to be starting out 2025 strong with these two important positions filled, including the public services area administrator, and with great competency."
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Featured image: (left) Deputy City Administrator Mariah Walton | (right) Public Services Area Administrator Jordan Roberts
