By DEBRA HAIGHT
BCR Correspondent
ST. JOSEPH, MI – Berrien County Commissioners are one step closer to choosing a new county administrator as the application deadline came last week with 26 applications received.
County Commissioner Robert Harrison chairs the board’s personnel and human services committee and gave fellow commissioners an update on the search at last week’s meeting. The search is being conducted by Chet Janik of the Michigan Leadership Institute. Janik is a retired county administrator and superintendent.
The board’s executive committee is expected to meet as soon as this week to go over the applications that meet the county’s requirements. They are expected to narrow down the list to those they’re interested in interviewing.
Janik said last week that the 26 people who applied come not only from Michigan but also other parts of the United States as well as Canada. He said not all the applicants met the county’s education and experience requirements and he expected to give the county executive committee a list of 10 applications he thinks will be a good fit.
Janik said the plan is to hold two rounds of interviews with the field likely narrowed down between the first and second rounds. He anticipates four to six people interviewed in the first round and then two or three brought back for the second round. The second round is also expected to include a “meet and greet” with department heads and other staff.
While county commissioners have tentatively said the first round of interviews could be conducted April 30 and May 1, Janik said the dates for the interviews will depend in part on applicants’ schedules. The names of the candidates will not be released until they accept the interview offer from the county.
He noted that the county board should not feel rushed to fill the position. “This is one of the most important decisions commissioners will make as a board that will have a lasting impact,” he said. “They should not rush the process just to find someone.”
Last week’s county board meeting also featured the annual “Dispatcher/911 Telecommunicator of the Year” recognition. The recognition is done every April as part of National 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators Week to honor the service of 911 dispatchers and telecommunicators working for Berrien County as well as the city of Niles.
The award for the 2025 Telecommunicator of the Year was presented to Berrien County Dispatch Supervisor Cassidie Pointer. A 20 year veteran telecommunicator of the Berrien County Public Safety Communication Center, her nomination highlighted her life-saving actions in July of 2025, recognizing ineffective breathing in a patient that had been electrocuted and directing bystanders to perform CPR, providing instructions over the phone.
Also recognized was nominee Berrien County Supervisor Kristina Burks. A field responder commented that Burks works as though it is not just a job, but a duty to keep them safe. Her professionalism, extensive knowledge, ability to handle multiple things at once, and service leadership were highlighted.
“Research says that only 4% of the population is suited for the challenging mission-critical work that 911 Telecommunicators perform,” Berrien County 911 Administrator Caitlin Sampsell said as she highlighted the emotional regulation, resiliency, and decision-making required.
“This year’s nominees for Telecommunicator of the Year represent the dedication and heart for service that is present in this profession,” she added. “We honor the amazing 911 Telecommunicators in our County and across the nation.”
Berrien County Undersheriff Greg Sanders reported that 911 Telecommunicators from the County’s Emergency Communication Centers are invited each year to nominate their peers for consideration for the designation of 911 Telecommunicator of the Year. Nominations are then considered by representatives from the County’s 911 Advisory Committee.
Those who think they have what it takes to provide 911 public safety services to their community should check with their local 911 Center for open opportunities. People can learn more about Berrien County Public Safety Communication Center and its employment opportunities at https://www.berriencounty.org/911jobs. Berrien County will be accepting applications mid-summer.
High school students interested in being a dispatcher/telecommunicator can get training through Berrien County’s High School Career Technical Education Program. A 911 Dispatch track for juniors and seniors is being offered with work-study opportunities for second year students. Students can contact their school guidance counselor to learn more.