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Council confirms Dale Wojcakowski as assistant city manager and Kate Baldwin as human resources director
Summary
Council unanimously confirmed Dale Wojcakowski — longtime police chief — as assistant city manager effective Dec. 9, 2024, and confirmed Kate Baldwin as human resources director; speakers praised both candidates’ institutional knowledge and leadership.
The Sterling Heights City Council confirmed two senior appointments on Dec. 3.
Dale Wojcakowski (spelled in the confirmation materials, pronounced and referenced throughout the meeting) was nominated by City Manager Mark Vanderpool for a newly funded assistant city manager position that will provide administrative leadership over police, fire and public works. Vanderpool reviewed Wojcakowski’s roughly 28‑year career with Sterling Heights Police, his leadership during high‑pressure events, training credentials (including the FBI National Academy) and local ties; multiple retired officers and community volunteers spoke in support. Council unanimously voted to confirm Wojcakowski effective Dec. 9, 2024.
The council also confirmed Kate Baldwin as human resources director. Vanderpool highlighted Baldwin’s record since 2017 as HR and benefits manager — including recruitment improvements for public safety hiring, new work‑scheduling practices, parental leave and residency policy revisions, the Sterling University employee development program, and improved national equality index scores. Baldwin told council she credited a broader HR team for successes. The council voted to confirm her as HR director; Vanderpool said the HR directorship will no longer be aligned with the second assistant city manager position going forward.
Both confirmations were handled by motion and voice vote after public comment and council discussion. No opposition was recorded during the meeting.
