City of Traverse City Announces Appointment of Valarie Handy as Deputy City Manager
Traverse City — The City of Traverse City is pleased to announce the appointment of Valarie Handy as its next Deputy City Manager. She brings extensive experience in public service, community investment, economic development, and organizational leadership to the City Manager’s Executive Team. Ms. Handy succeeds Deborah Allen, who retired as Deputy City Manager on Friday, June 12, 2026.
This executive-level appointment by City Manager Benjamin Marentette follows a national recruitment that attracted over 100 candidates. Approximately 20 fit initial screening, multiple candidates were interviewed, and three finalists presented to Mr. Marentette and the Executive Interview Panel. The Executive Interview Panel included Grand Traverse County Deputy Administrator Christopher Forsyth; City Attorney Lauren Trible-Laucht; Human Resources Director Kristine Bosley; and City Manager Benjamin Marentette.
Handy joins the City after a distinguished career with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, where she served in leadership roles supporting communities throughout Michigan. Her work has focused on strengthening communities through strategic investments, partnerships, grant programs, and collaborative solutions that advance local priorities. Ms. Handy has served as the acting head of a federal agency, and Deputy Director, leading cross-disciplinary teams, providing partnership-oriented, executive leadership oversight to approximately 80 employees. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, a Sustainable Community Development Certificate from Duke University and is both a Certified Economic Developer and an Advanced Facilitative Leader, credentialed by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and Michigan State University respectively. Ms. Handy serves as Senior Vice President of Cherryland Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors, serves as the Chair of the Inland Township Planning Commission & on their Board of Zoning Appeals; and has served on numerous Traverse Connect committees, including the Young Professionals, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committees.
City Manager Benjamin Marentette is proud of his appointment of the next Deputy City Manager for Traverse City, “Key elements of our community-driven Strategic Action Plan include nurturing a thriving year-round economy and regional collaboration. Valarie Handy brings an exceptional combination of public-sector leadership, regional knowledge, and a deep understanding of how partnerships and resources can help communities thrive”, said City Manager Benjamin Marentette. “Valarie’s experience working with communities across Michigan, managing complex programs, leading diverse teams and building relationships with diverse stakeholders will be a tremendous asset as Traverse City continues to focus on service excellence, strategic investments, and long-term sustainability.”
As Deputy City Manager, Handy will serve as a key member of the City Manager’s Executive Team and a strategic partner in advancing the City Manager’s vision, the City Commission priorities and the City’s Strategic Action Plan. She will provide executive-level leadership across municipal operations, support cross-department initiatives, and strengthen organizational effectiveness and innovation.
“I look forward to bringing my experience improving customer service through increased innovation, transparency of internal processes, and accountability across departments to serve the organization and community and believe my experience will be directly applicable to where the City of Traverse City is headed,” said Handy.
Handy’s background aligns closely with many of the City’s priorities, including community vitality, infrastructure investment, financial stewardship, grant development, and collaboration with regional partners. Her experience working at the intersection of government, economic development, and community needs provides valuable perspective for an extraordinary destination community and regional hub like Traverse City.
“I am confident that my experiences, including those related to regional asset-based community development, will bring value to the residents of the City of Traverse City,” said Handy. “I am very excited for this opportunity to focus the next chapter of my professional career back where my heart lives, in the Traverse City region. I have known City Manager Benjamin Marentette for several years and look forward to joining forces with him to serve this community!”
In addition to her professional work, Handy has been actively engaged in the Traverse City region through community and civic involvement, including service with local organizations and initiatives focused on strengthening the community.
City Manager Benjamin Marentette added: “Selecting a Deputy City Manager is an incredibly-significant responsibility, which I take very seriously. I also make this decision with optimism, a desire to continue to optimize our service-delivery and stewardship of public resources, owned by our city residents. I have full confidence that Valarie Handy will serve the City of Traverse City with excellence and that this community and I will be proud of her future contributions as a key member of Team Traverse City!”
Handy will begin serving as Deputy City Manager on Monday, July 13, 2026.
For more information, contact the City Manager’s Office at (231) 922-4440 or visit the City’s website.