Farms job was Reeside's homecoming,
and a chance to help community

Editor's note: This week GrossePointeToday.com presents a series of profiles of the chief executives in our municipalities–the city managers.

When Shane Reeside decided he wanted to work in government, he thought it would be at the federal level, until one internship changed his mind.

“My sister worked in Washington D.C. as a civilian for the military. I thought it was kind of exciting,” said Reeside, 44, city manager of Grosse Pointe Farms.

During summer break from Michigan State University, Reeside worked for the downriver city of Gibraltar, where he got hands-on experience with projects. “I could see my efforts in a visible way. The connection with the city and the people was appealing,” said Reeside.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in public administration, he went back to Gibraltar as the assistant manager for the director of public works. After three years on the job, Reeside took a phone call from Rich Solak, then assistant city manager for the Farms.

Solak was in line to become city manager and was looking for an assistant. For Reeside, who was raised in the Farms, it was something more than a job.

“I’ve always had an affinity for the area. I was excited to come back to an area that I loved,” said Reeside. He served as the assistant and as city clerk for 12 years before taking the top job Jan. 1, 2004.

The hallmark of the community, according to Reeside, is a dedication to excellence in providing services. Their emphasis has been to maintain and enhance where possible, even when economic conditions have forced them to cut back.

“Public safety, recreation and other city services – in my mind, we’re in a time where they are more vital than ever,” said Reeside. “The challenge is to be able to maintain and enhance these services.”

Economic downturns mean these services have to be provided with less money, and Reeside credits the whole community with pitching in.

“The city council, administration and the residents at large have all been a part of helping out,” he said. Reeside pointed to the Grosse Pointe Foundation as an example of the whole community coming together.

The Grosse Pointe Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to create private support for the public good, said Reeside. The group raises money for projects aimed at enhancing the city.

The foundation recently helped build a new ice rink with a warming building and tennis courts at Pier Park, a project  that wouldn't have been possible otherwise, said Reeside.

Free time means family time for Reeside. He met his wife, Sara, while at Michigan State. “I was a sophomore, she was a freshman. We’ve been together ever since,” said Reeside.

The couple has two children, Ethan, 9, and Maya, 6. They enjoy traveling, though with two young children there is not as much time for it anymore. Reeside and his wife have traveled to Europe, Central America and throughout Michigan.

“We love summers in Michigan,” he said.

In addition to his bachelor’s, Reeside holds a master’s in public administration, which he got from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Reeside is also involved in the community outside of work. He was on the original board for the formation of the chamber of commerce and he serves on the board of Services for Older Citizens as its president. Reeside is also a member of the Grosse Pointe Rotary Foundation Board that allocates money for local, national and international charitable causes.  

• Login or register to post comments
• Printer-friendly version
• Send by email