MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Marquette County has a new administrator… again.
After two previous choices bowed out before assuming the job, the winner of today’s vote is a familiar name throughout the county. It’s airport director, Duane Duray.
“I feel very pleased. I am confident in the board’s decision, and I’m confident in my ability to lead Marquette County as we move forward. I think this was a very important decision for Marquette County to get this behind us. Now is the time that the work really begins,” said Duray.
The day began with the three finalists for their job interviewing with the county board.
The candidates were local businessman and Marquette city commissioner, Michael Larson, EPA Attorney Jared Hautamaki, and Dwayne Duray, who has been the Sawyer Regional Airport Director since 2012.
“I’m honored that the board would select me, knowing the competition was extremely well spoken and highly competent to do the job as well,” said Duray.
Duray will assume the job after the position has been vacant since last February.
County Board Chairman Joe DeRosa is pleased and relieved.
He’ll do well. He’s a very smart, hard-working guy, and he’s got common sense. He holds all the criteria I looked for, with the intelligence piece, the hard work that he’s put in at Sawyer,” said County Board Chair Joe Derocha.
Having no County Administrator for the last five months, the members of the board all filled in where they could. But Duray will certainly face a backlog of work waiting at his new desk.