Emergency Manager Michael Brown Announces Key Appointments To His Team

Today City of Flint Emergency Manager Michael Brown announced the appointments of Jerry Ambrose, Howard Croft and Gary Bates to his management team.  These are the first appointments by Mr. Brown since being named Flint's Emergency Manager on December 1.

Mr. Ambrose will serve as the City's Financial Advisor overseeing the Finance, Budget, and Treasury Departments.  Mr. Croft is the City's new Director of Infrastructure and Development, which includes the departments of Parks and Recreation, Street Maintenance, Water and Sewer, Sanitation, Planning, Fleet and Community and Economic Development.  Mr. Bates is serving a temporary, 90 day, appointment as the Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations. These are salaried positions, without benefits.

Under Manager Brown, city departments are being consolidated to provide a more efficient, cost effective management structure.  "There was a time when the City could afford a manager for every department, but those days are gone," said Brown.  Flint is facing some tough financial challenges, and we have to find ways to cut costs while continuing to deliver essential services to the residents."

Mr. Ambrose has a long career in municipal finances.  He comes to the City of Flint from Lansing, Michigan where he has served the dual functions as Chief of Staff to Mayor Virg Bernero and City Finance Director.  He also has worked as the Controller for Ingham County.  He welcomes the opportunity to work with Manager Brown to help shape a better financial future for the City of Flint.

"I look forward to taking on the challenge of putting Flint's city government back on a sound financial footing," said Mr. Ambrose.  "Manager Brown has the vision and experience to make it happen and I am very pleased to be joining his team."

Mr. Croft is the President and CEO of Mid-Michigan Solar, an alternative energy company located in Flint.  "I am very humbled that Mike Brown has asked me to be a member of his team. Over the years, Mike has gained a tremendous amount of respect and trust in the community and I am confident in his ability to get Flint back on the right path," said Mr. Croft.  "I look forward to giving my very best to helping him and the team in my new role as the Director of Infrastructure and Development."

Mr. Bates is the former Personnel and Labor Relations Director for the City of Flint and twice served as the City's Acting City Administrator. The Flint native is proud for the opportunity to work with Manager Brown during these challenging times.

"Knowing that Mike Brown had been appointed the City's Emergency Manager made my decision to come back and help the City of Flint an easy one," said Mr. Bates.  "I hope in the short time I am here, I can provide information and expertise that will help him with the many, very difficult decisions he will have to make."

Brown said he is grateful to have these proven professionals on his team. "The City stands to benefit greatly from the wealth of experience and knowledge that these appointees bring to their respective positions."