National search to begin for next Mackinac Bridge Authority executive secretary
The Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) board today launched a national search to replace retiring Executive Secretary Bob Sweeney and named longtime Chief Bridge Engineer Kim Nowack to the interim role.
“We’re in very good hands with Kim at the helm for the time being,” said MBA Chairman Patrick “Shorty” Gleason. “I’m looking forward to seeing what’s sure to be an exciting field of candidates from our national search.”
Nowack has been chief engineer at the bridge for 17 years, overseeing bridge maintenance work, as well as contracted design, inspection and construction work.
The decision came at a special meeting today in St. Ignace, which also served as a retirement celebration for Sweeney, who will retire from his position on May 17 after 17 years with the authority. He is moving on to take the position of director for the Department of Public Works for the City of Port St. Lucie in Florida.
Sweeney was honored with several accolades during the meeting, including a tribute from the State of Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state Legislature, presented by Sen. Wayne Schmidt; an announcement from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) that he would be the new honoree at the St. Ignace Rest Area; a certificate, plaque and challenge coin from the Michigan State Police; and a resolution from the MBA board thanking him for his many years of service.
