New Alpena County administrator excited for opportunity
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ALPENA -- An exciting opportunity.
That is how Jeff Knoop describes the prospect of becoming the new Alpena County Administrator next month.
The Alpena County Board of Commissioners voted 8-0 Wednesday to hire Knoop, pending a background check and contract agreement.
Knoop, who is currently the assistant executive director, deputy prosecuting attorney for the Marion County prosecutor's office, Child Advocacy Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, said he doesn't expect any hang-ups with his background-check or finalizing a deal with the county.
Knoop, who was born in Indianapolis, said his mother was born in Alpena and his family still has a cottage at Long Lake.
He said for many years, visiting the cottage on vacation was a ritual, and he and his wife have considered moving up north for some time, when the time was right.
That time is now, he said.
"We've wanted to do it, but just needed to make sure it was the right time and have the right opportunity come up," Knoop said. "It did, and we took advantage of it."
Now that he will be moving to Alpena, he will be able to enjoy the cottage and everything else the area has to offer. He said the natural resources in Northeast Michigan make it appealing to him.
"We love the lake and we love the nature and just love being in Alpena," he said.
The results of a background check shouldn't take long, and there should be no issues with it, Knoop said. He said he doesn't anticipate any snags in contract talks either.
"I'm hoping it goes smooth, but I guess you never know when it comes to contracts," Knoop said. "I believe it will go smoothly, then I can put in my two weeks notice at my current job and then move up north."
He told the board of commissioners on Wednesday he should be able to start work in early to mid-September.
There is likely going to be a settling in period for Knoop, who already has some short-term goals in mind. He said getting acclimated with staff, and letting them get to know him are high on his priority list.
"I'll learn the staff and learn the ropes for the specific needs for the office," he said. "I intend to set up a comfortable culture for everyone and give them a chance to get to know me and what expectations are."
Knoop was selected from a pool of 48 applicants for the job, which was whittled down to four and then two. All four finalists were interviewed on Wednesday.