Third time’s the charm. Mike Winder recently renewed his contract as Millcreek’s City Manager for the third time with his newest contract running through June 2028. 

Winder was originally appointed city manager in 2021 and his contract was amended in 2023 with its expiration coming the summer of this year. 

The Millcreek City Council unanimously approved Winder’s new contract in January.

“I’m extremely satisfied with Mike Winder’s job as city manager,” Mayor Jeff Silvestrini said during the council meeting. 

The mayor described Winder as “accountable, accessible” and having a “great relationship with staff.” He credited Winder for creating a positive and desirable culture in Millcreek where “people like to work.” 

Councilmember Cheri Jackson added her appreciation for Winder. 

“(I’m) grateful for the hours he puts in and the rapport he has with the city council and the city staff and I know he puts in long hours. We get texts and notices from him late into the weekends and evenings so he puts in long hours,” she said. “I know he’s always thinking about Millcreek and looking out
for us.” 

Winder was effusive in his appreciation for the council’s decision and for Millcreek in general. 

“It’s seriously the honor of a lifetime to be part of this community and to be in this role and know that I feel the weight of your trust and it’s a real weight in a positive way,” he told the council after the vote. 

Winder’s new salary features a raise and will earn $250,000 a year. Silvestrini pointed out the city manager also wears the economic development director hat so while the salary is a raise, it’s commensurate with other cities. “A little above the median,” the mayor said. 

“That seems like a lot of money but there’s incredible responsibility attached to this job,” he continued, noting they’d be paying another $120-150,000 to hire a separate person for the economic development
position. 

“It’s a good idea for the city to have somebody like Mike wearing two hats,” Silvestrini said. 

The mayor further credited Winder for his “fantastic” work with the city’s economic development supporting businesses in the city and developing the bustling Millcreek Common. He said they are reeling in a Porsche dealership, which will contribute “hundreds of thousands” annually to the city’s sales tax. 

Winder, whose contract was approved on his birthday, was quick to highlight his staff, the residents and city stakeholders. 

“I do love this city and love what we’re doing as a team and being part of this amazing team we’ve assembled,” he said. “Thank you, thank you, for that vote of confidence and support today, it means a lot.” λ