When Brady Selner stepped into the role of Spring Lake village manager just over a year ago, he wasn’t just starting a new job. He was stepping into the office and the legacy of his mentor, Chris Burns.
Burns, who led the village for almost 12 years, died in September 2023 at age 54.
Her death left a big gap in the community she served with energy and care.
Selner, 31, says he feels the responsibility of continuing her work every day.
“Chris was a mentor and someone I looked up to as I came up in this profession,” Selner says. “She was always willing to answer questions or offer guidance, and she was instrumental in helping young professionals like me find our place in local government.”
Career-long guidance
Selner first connected with Burns while completing his master’s degree at Grand Valley State University. Through student involvement with the International City/County Management Association and Michigan Municipal Executives events, the two developed a relationship that extended beyond professional circles.
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Chris Burns
“I’d call her when I was facing a difficult situation, especially when I was village manager in Shelby,” Selner says. “She was always one of the first people I thought of when I needed advice.”
Now in the position Burns once held, Selner is carrying forward her vision, especially in projects she helped initiate.
One such effort is the revitalization of Central Park, and another is continued improvements to Tanglefoot Park, where the village plans to install new shade sails and concrete seating near the splash pad.
Burns began her local government career as the city manager of Cedar Springs before coming to Spring Lake in 2012. Her leadership was marked by transparency, collaboration, and a focus on building partnerships with neighboring communities.
Cooperation across boundaries
Selner, who previously managed the village of Shelby in Oceana County and worked in planning and zoning in Mason County, says he has drawn inspiration from Burns’ approach, particularly her emphasis on collaboration across jurisdictions.
“One of the things I’ve really enjoyed about Spring Lake is being part of the Tri-Cities,” Selner says. “There’s a strong spirit of cooperation here, especially with Spring Lake Township. We share a Department of Public Works and office space, and those shared services have been a huge benefit to residents.”
Selner has kept Burns’ office mostly unchanged, including a small container of candy she used to offer visitors that still sits on the desk.
“I’ve been a little too busy to keep it full lately,” Selner says with a laugh, “but I’ve tried to maintain that tradition. It serves as a reminder of her character: approachable, considerate, and consistently generous, whether through thoughtful advice or a simple, kind gesture.”
Selner is building on Burns' work, focusing on Infrastructure and downtown improvements, with projects like Windsor Place as examples of what’s to come.
“Chris was instrumental in getting these initiatives off the ground,” Selner says. “I feel fortunate to be in a position to carry them forward and see them into the next phase.”
But he admits it wasn’t easy to take on the role after her unexpected passing.
“Of course, I wish it had happened under different circumstances,” he says. “But knowing Chris and having worked with her, it was important to me that if I were to take this job, I’d do my best to honor the work she did and continue it with integrity.”
As Selner starts his second year on the job, he is focused on honoring the past and making plans for a bright future.
“Spring Lake is small, but there’s a lot going on here,” he says. “It’s a dynamic community, and we have the opportunity to make meaningful, lasting improvements, just like Chris did.”