MEET BRAD KERSTEN

By KATELYN LARESE | klarese@medianewsgroup.com | The Voice

PUBLISHED: June 9, 2021 at 9:27 a.m. | UPDATED: June 21, 2021 at 11:24 p.m.

https://www.voicenews.com/2021/06/09/brad-kersten-named-interim-supervisor-in-chesterfield-township

The Chesterfield Township Board has selected a new leader to take the helm when Supervisor Dan Acciavatti vacates the post in early July.

Board members June 8 unanimously appointed Public Safety Director Brad Kersten to the township’s top spot. Acciavatti, in his second term as supervisor, will resign effective at noon July 6 to take a top deputy post under Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller. Kersten will officially become the township’s interim supervisor at 12:01 p.m. July 6.

“I’m here to serve the residents of Chesterfield,” Kersten said after the vote. “I’ve always done that, as we all have done. Compassion, leadership, clear direction – that’s the key to making a positive work environment and a positive impact on our community. That’s what I’m going to strive to do.”

Kersten has served in the Chesterfield Township Police Department for more than 30 years, advancing up the ranks from patrol officer to chief in 2015 and public safety director in 2017, with many other roles in between.

“Director Kersten is the only qualified individual that has the respect and admiration of every member of this board,” Trustee David Joseph said at the June 8 board meeting, reading from a letter he wrote to members seeking support for Kersten’s appointment. “He has excellent working relationships with each of us. He has the diplomacy skills needed to heal this board and bring us together.”

Trustee Brian Scott DeMuynck, who has known Kersten since their rookie days in law enforcement and has worked with him as a board member for nearly two decades, added: “He is the best candidate. And knowing Brad the way I know you, Brad – I know you’ll do one hell of a job.”

Still, Kersten remains humbled and appreciative of the support.

“I’m very humbled,” he said. “It’s not about me. … It’s not about us. It’s about what we can do for this place and that’s what drives me to want this position.

“I think we’ve done a great job in public safety. I think I have more to offer. I have more abilities, and I think as a team, as we work together – I have a lot to learn – but I think that the foundation that has been built I can progress on as we move forward.”

As supervisor, Kersten said his message moving forward will be a spirit of cooperation and partnership.

“I’ve found that effective leadership is borne out of cooperation, and that’s how I’ve always led … We want to serve the residents here with compassion, with dignity, with respect – that’s been the message and mantra,” he said.

In his letter to the board, Joseph noted the only concern repeatedly expressed is the possible void created in the public safety department, but administrative staff has indicated they have no concerns about diminished service or safety to residents.

Duties of the township supervisor include overseeing the day-to-day operations of the township, budget preparation and administration, human resources and public service including planning, building and facilities, public safety, public works and leisure services. The supervisor position comes with an annual salary of $99,776.92 in 2020.

Qualification requirements for the supervisor post include being a resident for 30 days, at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and registered to vote.

Kersten will have the option to run for election in fall 2022.

Katelyn Larese is a Local News Editor at The Voice. She can be contacted at 586-273-6196 or klarese@medianewsgroup.com.