The Candidates

Thad Beard, Manager, City of RockfordThad Beard, Manager, City of Rockford

Thad has over 23 years’ experience in municipal government and has been the city manager of Rockford since 2017. He previously served as the City of Otsego’s manager for 17 years and as the City of Wayland’s assistant manager for three years before that. He is a member of the Michigan Municipal Executives and former member of its Board of Directors. Thad grew up in Kalamazoo, received an undergraduate degree from Great Lakes Christian College and a master’s degree from Western Michigan University. Thad is seeking election to his second term.

Dan Swallow, Manager, City of Tecumseh

Dan has more than 18 years’ experience as a municipal official and has been the City Manager of Tecumseh since 2015. Previously, his government career included tenures with the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, Van Buren Township, and as the Economic & Community Development Director for the City of Monroe. He has credentials from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and actively participates in the Michigan Association of Planning and Michigan Municipal Executives. Dan grew up in the small northeastern Michigan community of Alpena. Dan is seeking election to his second term.