Michigan Municipal Services Authority Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

LANSING, Mich., Aug. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Executive Committee of the Michigan Municipal Services Authority (MMSA) has appointed Robert Bruner as Chief Executive Officer. Bruner, 38, brings more than 12 years of Michigan municipal experience to the position, having served five cities in three counties, including his most recent role as the Mount Clemens Interim City Manager.

"We are excited to welcome Bob to the Michigan Municipal Services Authority," Executive Committee and MMSA Board Chairwoman Stacie Behler said. "His experience with and enthusiasm for collaboration and excellence make him the ideal leader for this important work."

The MMSA was created in 2012 by an interlocal agreement between the cities of Grand Rapids and Livonia. Its mission is to deliver high-quality shared services and functions to participating cities, villages, townships, counties and districts by providing innovative solutions to collaborate, lower costs, and enhance services to their citizens. Its vision is to revolutionize the delivery of services and functions by local governments across the state through access to best practices and shared services in order to contain costs, manage resources, and enhance the quality of life in their communities.

The Authority's first project – a Virtual Health and Wellness Marketplace – was launched in 2013, and includes an online eligibility and enrollment system that allows employees and retirees to manage benefit changes. The Authority is currently preparing to launch a cloud-based Financial Management System (FMS) for municipalities around the state. In 2012, the Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury) awarded the city of Grand Rapids $3.6 million in Competitive Grant Assistance Program (CGAP) funding to finance the FMS project through Sept. 30, 2016. This year, Treasury awarded the Authority $5 million in CGAP funding to continue the project through Sept. 30, 2018.

"I know from personal experience that sharing services is easier said than done," Bruner said. "This position will allow me to help Michigan communities accelerate collaboration, cooperation and joint action. I am also excited about the unique opportunity to work with multiple municipalities rather than working for just one."

Bruner begins his role as CEO immediately. Bruner earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Albion College and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from Wayne State University.

Contact: Bob Bruner, 248-925-9294

SOURCE Michigan Municipal Services Authority (MMSA)