Larson

HOUGHTON — Houghton County will have a new administrator. 

The county board voted Tuesday to extend an offer to Ben Larson to take over when Eric Forsberg retires at the end of August. Larson currently works at Michigan Technological University, where he is director of advancement for the College of Sciences and Arts. 

The board discussed candidates in a closed session June 2, then held a special meeting at noon Tuesday to interview the final three candidates. Commissioner Glenn Anderson praised the lineup of candidates, which also included Michelle Brogan and Steve Nordstrom. 

Brogan has been the executive director of the Lake Linden Housing Commission since 2007. Nordstrom is the associate director of athletics at Finlandia University. 

Commissioner Glenn Anderson was impressed by the quality of applicants. 

“All three had extensive management experience in Houghton County,” he said. “All three are well recognized as community leaders in our county. And I thought, frankly, that the pool was excellent for us to consider.” 

Larson’s starting salary would be $79,125. The hire is conditional on a background check and Larson’s acceptance of the offer.