The Three Rivers City Commission is expected to appoint Leslie Wilson, Three Rivers’ deputy director of finance & administration, as city clerk Tuesday. Wilson’s appointment follows the recent resignation of City Clerk Stephen French, who left for a position in the private sector.

Wilson will be the city’s third clerk since 2020, following the departures of French and longtime City Clerk Melissa Bliss, who left for a deputy clerk position with St. Joseph County in 2020, and now serves as the county’s director of community corrections.

Wilson has 14 years of service with the city, and recently completed the first year of the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerk’s Basic Institute training, according to City Manager Joe Bippus. She also plans to continue additional institute training over the next two years in order to achieve her Certified Municipal Clerk designation.

“Leslie demonstrates quality leadership skills and has knowledge of the various government administration duties required of the city,” Bippus wrote in a report to city commissioners. “[…] She has acted as an interim clerk over the past couple of years during staff vacancies, [and] has proven to be a very capable and responsible person who can handle the city clerk duties.”

City staff has reportedly interviewed a candidate to assume “some” of Wilson’s responsibilities as deputy director of finance & administration but she will retain some of her previous duties, including as a human resource generalist, tax administration, and risk management for the city. While Wilson’s salary wasn’t disclosed, her promotion is expected to include a $5,000 raise.

The Three Rivers City Commission will meet Tuesday, April 5 at 6 p.m. at Three Rivers City Hall.

Alek Haak-Frost is executive editor and publisher of Watershed Voice.